Page 16 THE VILLADOM TIMES I, II, III & IV • March 2, 2011 ‘Unknown’ is thriller featuring skilled veterans by Dennis Seuling “Unknown” is a gripping thriller that unfolds the tale of Dr. Martin Harris (Liam Neeson), an American botanist who arrives in Berlin with his wife, Elizabeth (January Jones), to attend a conference. When they arrive at the hotel, he realizes he has left an attaché case containing his passport at the airport and rushes off to retrieve it. On the way, his cab is in a bad accident. Four days later, he awakens in a hospital, where he learns he has been in a coma and is suffering from amnesia. When he eventually recalls his name and why he is in Germany, he rushes back to the hotel, assuming his wife is frantically searching for him. He does find her at the hotel, but she claims not to know him and identifies another man as her husband and the real Dr. Harris (Aidan Quinn). Without his passport or other ID, Harris has no way to prove his identity. With this premise, “Unknown” introduces lots of intrigue, shadowy characters, red herrings and, most importantly, twists and hairpin turns that keep the movie miles ahead of the viewer. Director Jaume Collet-Serra (“Orphan”) keeps things moving along briskly with some nifty car chases tossed in for good measure. Harris lucks into former East German policeman Ernst Jurgen (Bruno Ganz), who agrees to investigate the mystery, and cab driver Gina (Diane Kruger) becomes an unwilling accomplice. Harris’ longtime friend Rodney Cole (Frank Langella) flies in from the United States to help. Professor Bressler (Sebastian Koch), who has developed a new strain of fast-growing corn that will alleviate world hunger, and his sponsor, Prince Shada (Mido Hamada), also figure in the mystery. Meanwhile, unknown parties with unknown motives are out to kill Harris. Neeson had a hit with 2008’s “Taken,” a film in which his character’s CIA training enabled him to piece together the how’s and why’s of his daughter’s kidnapping. He is very good in these kinds of films. His determined, worldweary look makes viewers believe him as an innocent man thrown into a situation that overwhelms him. This was one of Hitchcock’s favorite themes and, when executed with logic and excitement, still grabs an audience. Jones is not known for her wide acting range, but is perfect here as a woman who claims she doesn’t know her own husband. She is quite beautiful, reminiscent of Grace Kelly with her slender figure, impeccable attire, and cool, controlled demeanor. As a key figure in the mystery of Liam Neeson, Aidan Quinn, and Sebastian Koch in ‘Unknown.’ Harris’ identity, her Elizabeth is an enigma. Since viewers have already seen them together in the beginning of the movie, why is she adamantly denying Harris is her husband? Ganz adds a dose of menace as Jurgen, who has seen the fall of Nazism and communism and now lives quietly in a unified Germany where he takes the occasional job locating people. He has seen and heard it all, so when Harris pours out his story, he believes him and agrees to help. A significant scene late in the film between Ganz and Langella is a wonderful piece of underplayed acting between two formidably skilled veterans. Rated PG-13, “Unknown” neatly ties together all the loose ends by the time the credits roll. Often, in a film such as this, the finale reveals plot holes and inconsistencies, but the writers have done their homework and made sure the story points fit together without glitches. “Unknown” is an exceptional thriller. On March 12, Fyke Nature Association will hold its annual field trip for woodcock at the Great Swamp NWR. Meet in the Great Swamp Heronry Parking Lot at 4 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time). There will be some late day birding before the woodcock begin their mating flight around dusk. Bring a light snack to enjoy while the group waits for sunset. Registration with Mike Limatola is required; call (201) 739-8062 or e-mail mike-limatola@gmail. com. The monthly meeting will be held March 25 at 8 p.m. at the Allendale Municipal Building, 500 West Crescent Avenue, Allendale. Stephen Quinn, curator of the Ameri- Fyke plans woodcock field trip, events can Museum of Natural History’s dioramas will be the guest speaker. Quinn believes the current popularity of wildlife art reflects our own species’ fascination with and longing for the wild, and the profound realization that, as living creatures, we all share far more similarities than differences. The program will show his work with museum dioramas. The annual Celery Farm Cleanup is set for April 2. Meet at 9 a.m. at the end of Green Way in Allendale for a few hours of active conservation. To join this effort, contact Marsh Warden Mike Limatola at (201) 739-8062 or mike-limatola@gmail.com. Rain date: April 9. State Line 375 State Highway 17 North, Mahwah Open 24 Hours, 7 Days Join Us For Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner The Best Got Better! Diner - Restaurant 201-529-3353 Now Serving Cocktails, Espresso & Cappuccino $ 00 On $10.00 and over. With this coupon only. One Coupon per table. 5:00 to 9:00 pm only. State Line Diner VT Off 1 $ 00 On $20.00 and over. With this coupon only. One Coupon per table. 5:00 to 9:00 pm only. State Line Diner VT Off 2 at one of the FINE RESAURTANTS advertised in The Villadom TIMES Make Reservations Now!