Jeff's Reviews

Thoughts on every movie I've ever seen.

Payback (1999)

Directed by Brian Helgeland

Starring Mel Gibson, Gregg Henry, Maria Bello, David Paymer

Author

A couple of entertaining moments, but not too much of a story. The biggest problem is that we have no idea who Porter is, where he comes from, or why he is doing this. Why is he so stupid? Why would this guy, who has a history of crime and street sense, be so obsessed with $70,000? A character in the film asks him if it is just a matter of principle, and Porter blows him (and us) off without an explanation. Nice ending.

Gibson looks great. He’s quirky as usual and for once it fits the character. And once again we get to see him withstand the most horrific pain sustainable by the human body. For the most part, the acting and dialogue isn’t so good.

Strange style. A combination of noir and 70’s camp.

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