Quartile rating: 5.5/10 · 1 rating
Private detective Philip Marlowe becomes embroiled in an investigation involving a wealthy Californian family after a beautiful blonde hires him to track down her former lover.
This 2023 adaptation of Marlowe struggles to distinguish itself in a crowded field of noir revivals. The plot is convoluted in an unsatisfying rather than intriguing way, lacking the sharp wit of classic Chandler adaptations. Neeson is serviceable but feels miscast in the iconic role, though the supporting cast adds some color. The period cinematography is competent but rarely inspired, delivering polished Old Hollywood aesthetics without genuine visual flair. Novelty suffers as the film treads very familiar noir territory without bringing a fresh perspective, essentially a by-the-numbers updating of a well-worn genre. The ending resolves without much payoff or memorable impact, leaving audiences underwhelmed.