The Commuter-a thriller that stays on track,for the most part.

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   Liam Neeson on a commuter train. What could happen? Murder, mayhem, and action. That's what you will find in Liam Neeson's latest action thriller THE COMMUTER. However, if you've seen any of Neeson's thrillers than you'll recognize all the plot points offered here.
   The plot focuses on a businessman on a commuter train who is lured into a criminal plan to track down a witness to a murder. If he accepts the offer, he'll get $100,000 for his troubles. If he doesn't or he fails, his family will die. Seen it all before. The reason anyone would be interested in this film is that of Mr.Neeson.
  Is the film any good? At best, it's predictably entertaining. Watching Neeson try to figure out what is going on is worth the price of admission. The film is tailor made for him.
  What doesn't work for the film is that the supporting cast that is assembled is completely wasted.  Vera Farmiga (Bates Motel), Jonathan Banks( Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul), Patrick Wilson (Watchmen), Elizabeth McGovern(Downton Abbey) are given threadbare material to work with. There's also the third act, where the plot almost derails (pun intended) into stupidity. Luckily it manages to stay on the tracks but does take a bit too long wrapping things up.
   I give THE COMMUTER a B-.
  

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