Friday, November 13, 2009

Payback


Released: 2006

Reviewed: 11.9.09
Star rating: 3 out of 5

Mel Gibson (Porter), Gregg Henry (Val), Deborah Unger (Lynn), Maria Bello (Rosie), James Coburn (Fairfax), William Devane (Carter), Lucy Liu (Pearl), David Paymer (Stegman).

Porter, Lynn and Val pull a heist and get away clean but when it comes time to split the loot Lynn and Val steal Porter's share and leave him for dead after shooting him in the back. But now Porter is back and wants his money, and revenge. As the double-crosses pile up, and the people wanting Porter dead increases will he get back his money and be able to live his life?

This one kicks off pretty well with the feel of a good crime drama which is actually plot background. Quickly switching to character and plot development the film starts to look more like an action flick and eventually morphs into a crime thriller. Although the plot was interesting it did have a few holes. That isn't what makes the film though, it is the lack of conscience. Ever wanted revenge but knew morality would keep you from getting it? Not Porter. It doesn't matter if the bad guy is beaten, broken and Porter has what he wants. If he feels the guy should be killed, he is killed without so much as a grimace. Just suspend reality for a bit since Porter seems to be invincible for most of the film.

Acting was pretty good. I usually enjoy Gibson and he did nicely here. Henry, Unger and Bello did very well in support roles as did Coburn and Devane. Liu was a big surprise and I loved her in the role of Pearl.

Camera work, sets, backgrounds, sound, effects, and action scenes were all nicely done and the film appears to have had a nice budget. Dialogue was mixed with some great lines and some ridiculous lines.

Overall, a nice crime thriller though it wasn't anything special. Just nicely, solidly done. Graphic violence, foul language, and mild nudity so this one is okay for the oldest teens and above.
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