A Walk Among The Tombstones – Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Chris Eberle

Synopsis

Matt Scudder is a troubled ex-cop in New York who now works as a private investigator. He’s on the road to recovery after a bout with alcoholism when a mysterious man asks for his help. It turns out the man is a high-stakes drug dealer who wants to find the men who kidnapped and murdered his wife. Scudder reluctantly takes on the case and quickly finds there’s much more to the situation than he was told. When a young girl is taken, things become far more desperate. Now he’s involved with multiple drug lords and the DEA is knocking at his door. The final showdown pits Scudder against two evil predators where the only option is a fight to the death.

Commentary

This is a fairly good adaptation of the classic detective novel. The subject matter is fairly gruesome and may not appeal to everyone. There is some violence but it’s not a hack-and-slash-fest like some similar films. What I found difficult to watch was the nature of the crimes and the depiction of the two kidnappers. They aren’t out to merely extort money from their victims. They engage in some truly perverted activities. Grit aside, the story is a good one. I’m glad there wasn’t too much time spent on the tortured ex-cop aspect of Matt Scudder’s character; played well by Liam Neeson. My only beef with Mr. Neeson was his shaky attempt at a New York accent. His elegant Scottish brogue just can’t be completely hidden. I also enjoyed Brian Bradley (AKA Astro) as the show-stealing TJ; a young runaway who becomes Scudder’s sidekick. Overall the film is entertaining, if you can stomach it, but I doubt I’d watch it more than once.

Technical

The image is well-saturated with a slightly warmed color palette. This is appropriate considering the action takes place in 1999. Detail is solid though not as razor-sharp as other modern films. Contrast is nice and broad with solid blacks and no trace of murkiness.

The audio track doesn’t have too much to qualify it as a home theater demo but what loud sounds there are (gunshots mostly) are very tight and controlled, in a good way. Dialog is crisp and clear and well-anchored in the large front soundstage. Panning effects are well-done but not too much happens behind the viewer. Bass is also detailed and deep when appropriate.

Extras

Bonus features include a 12-minute behind-the-scenes featurette and a six-minute short on the adaptation of Matt Scudder’s character from novel to screen.