ICE ROAD: VENGEANCE (2025) – Liam Neeson Delivers in Action-Packed Sequel That Knows Exactly What It Is

For fans of Liam Neeson, his annual cinematic outings have become something of a tradition—each year, he reappears, undeterred by age, to deliver at least one or two action thrillers. Now at the age of 73, Neeson remains the stalwart hero of grit-and-gravel adventure, and while his recent films can sometimes veer into the realm of low-budget mediocrity, the faithful keep showing up, hoping for the next hidden gem. Back in 2021, Neeson offered a mini gem and pleasant surprise with Ice Road, where he played Mike, a determined big-rig driver racing against both villains and the elements to save a group of trapped miners. The movie, packed with implausible peril and heart-pounding action, worked surprisingly well—delivering a pulse-quickening ride that rekindled faith in Neeson’s post-Taken career.

Enter Ice Road: Vengeance, the sequel that trades the icy expanse of Canada for the breathtaking vistas of the Himalayan mountains. Neeson reprises his role as Mike, this time journeying to Nepal to honor his late brother’s wish of scattering his ashes among the peaks. But peace is elusive for our hero—almost immediately, he’s swept into a local conflict, pitting a close-knit village against a ruthless corporation bent on damming the land for profit. On his side is Dhani, a spirited local tour guide played with scene-stealing flair by Fan Bingbing, and an eclectic cast of fellow travelers on a tour bus swept up in the ensuing chaos.

Surprisingly, Ice Road: Vengeance is more than just a lazy rehash. The pacing is brisk, the plot delivers on its promise of thrills, and the supporting characters manage to be engaging rather than grating—a rare feat in action sequels. Fan Bingbing lights up the screen, providing both chemistry and contrast to Neeson’s stoic heroism, while showcasing her own impressive action chops. At times, it seemed her character Dhani is as much the main character to the plot as that of Mike! Neeson himself seems invigorated by the change of setting, bringing a convincing, battle-worn gravitas to his role that reminds us why he remains so watchable in these relentless thrillers.

What sets this sequel apart, though, is its setting. The Himalayan landscape is nothing short of spectacular, often threatening to upstage even the most explosive set pieces. While the bulk of the outdoor scenes were filmed in Nepal, specifically the Kathmandu and Bhaktapur area, the film also extensively used the town of Walhalla in Victoria, Australia, to represent a Nepalese village and its surrounding areas. Sweeping shots of snow-dusted peaks and vertiginous cliffs lend the film a grandeur that’s rare in the genre, making the film feel more epic than it has any right to be.

In the end, director Jonathan Hensleigh should be commended for making Ice Road: Vengeance such a success. It doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is: a modest scaled well-oiled, high-octane action flick with a knowing wink. It’s also a treat to see Neeson doing what he does best—against impossible odds and in an unforgettable locale. For those who crave a dose of clever, satisfying mayhem, this is one road trip worth taking.