First-rate action for adrenaline junkies

"Blood may be thicker than water, but mafia ties outlast everything" in Run All Night, with Liam Neeson as a man who, over the course of just one night, must face off his former mob boss in order to protect his son, Joel Kinnaman (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo). In doing so, he sets off an action-packed chase where he is the most wanted man in the city-by both sides of the law.

"I loved how the story is full of action while it also examines the fractured relationships between two men who are like brothers, and a father trying to make amends with his son for things that happened years ago. It was complex and rich, with thrills and spills, and a lot of 'what ifs'," says Neeson. "What would have happened if Jimmy had taken this course instead of that course? But that's the story of all our lives, isn't it?"

Neeson once again teams up with director Jaume Collet-Serra (Unknown, Non Stop), who he describes as "like a brother," and who the actor says, "sees action movies as symphonies."

A deeper chord

Neeson admits that the script hit a deeper chord with him, having sons who are at the age of discerning their own paths in life. "I can't imagine losing their love or trust and I can relate to being willing to do anything-no matter what it takes-to get that back."

Collet-Serra states: "It was one of the best scripts I've ever read. Every word came to life. The central story of the fathers' sins coming back to haunt their sons was evocative and the characters were full of soul." The director reveals he immediately envisioned Neeson in the role of Jimmy. "It was a no-brainer. Not only does Liam have great range, but he has sons, and I knew he'd connect to the story on a whole other level."

Screenwriter Brad Ingelsby, who received his MFA in screenwriting in 2005 from the American Film Institute, previously wrote the 2014 indie crime drama Out of the Furnace, as well as the 2013 indie drama The Dynamiter.

Life-and-death chase to stay alive

Producer Roy Lee also found the story and the creative mix exciting. "It had me from the start. One split-second event triggers the dominos and the life-and-death chase to stay alive is on - and, one way or another, before dawn, it's going to play itself out. Jaume is a master at the chase and Ed and Liam are masters at being tough guys."

The script came to Lee by way of producer Brooklyn Weaver, who manages screenwriter Brad Ingelsby. Weaver says: "I was absolutely blown away by the emotionally powerful characters and journey, which he had executed in such a thematically epic manner. On page four I had goose bumps and by page 11 I knew I wanted to make the movie. I really connected to the complex, intertwined story of fathers and sons in the middle of all this great action that kept me turning the pages. I knew Brad's script would be in great hands with Jaume, Liam, and the rest of the incredible cast."

Ingelsby wanted to set the deathly conflict against the gritty backdrop of the mafia, explaining: "That world always interested me. Particularly from the vantage point of years down the road, when the repercussions of the choices these guys made when they were young and the full weight of their actions eventually catch up with them."

Producer Michael Tadross was equally intrigued by the mob element. He adds: "I love these stories because they deal with loyalty and, in this film in particular, how the decisions you make in life really affect your family. You can run from your past, but you can't hide."

But maybe, just maybe, you can get a second chance.

Collet-Serra says: "Most people wish they could have at least one do-over, to right some wrong in their life. To actually get that opportunity to redeem yourself is very appealing and everyone can relate to that."

One shot at redemption

But Jimmy's only got one shot at redemption, at having his son not hate him anymore. One shot to live - and one night to pull it off.

"I've always had a soft spot for the tapestry of family conflict in movies, especially if you can wrap it up in a little bit of action, and I believe this movie has all of that," says Neeson. Collet-Serra concludes: "I think if audiences come for the action, they'll get hooked in by the emotion, and they'll enjoy quite a ride."

If you are looking for first-rate escapism, this well-made film delivers what if offers on every level.

Read more about Run All Night and other new films opening this week at www.writingstudio.co.za