Propulsive pacing and impressive stunt work help make Liam Neeson’s ‘The Mongoose’ an above-average actioner: review
A soldier on the run
Ryan “Fang” Flanagan, played by Neeson, is a decorated former Special Forces soldier carrying guilt over the death of his comrade Wiz in Afghanistan. Each year, Fang and fellow veterans Munch and Tanker hold a dinner marking the anniversary of Wiz’s death.
When Todd arrives unexpectedly, a confrontation ends with Todd dead. Fang expects to be blamed despite the killing being self-defense, so he escapes in Todd’s vintage Shelby Cobra Super Snake after discovering his own car’s tires have been slashed.
A chase across the South
Fang heads toward the Mexican border as authorities pursue him through Southern locations represented in the film by Australia. The officers include a sympathetic Arkansas Highway Patrol leader and Major Walter Pope, a Texas Highway Patrol officer portrayed by Michael Chiklis.
Fang receives help from Helene, the car’s digital automated concierge, voiced by Stella Stocker. Munch and Tanker follow in a borrowed helicopter, while other veterans take illegal steps to support their fellow soldier.
Stunts drive the film
The film’s most prominent strengths are its fast-moving car chases and stunt work. Vanselow, making his directorial debut, is a veteran stunt performer and coordinator who has worked with Neeson on at least 30 films and doubled for him for decades.
The movie draws on 1970s drive-in action films, with echoes of The Sugarland Express, Vanishing Point and Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry. Its simple plot moves briskly, and the review suggests the film may find its largest audience on streaming and cable.
Key points
- Liam Neeson plays a former soldier fleeing after a fatal altercation.
- Fang races toward the Mexican border in a vintage Shelby Cobra Super Snake.
- Director Mark Vanselow brings decades of stunt experience from working with Neeson.
- Marisa Tomei, Ving Rhames and Michael Chiklis co-star.