This
is one of those films that has been plagued with problems. Originally slated for
release last May, it was shelved because of disputes between writer-director Brian
Helgeland (screenwriter of LA Confidential) and star Mel Gibson. That's a shame
because, surprisingly, Payback is a lot of fun and very unpredictable.
Gibson
plays a bad guy named Porter, a thief who finds himself double-crossed. In an
attempt to get back money that is rightfully his, he soon finds himself pursued
by a colorful gang of thugs. Although Gibson plays against type, he still comes
across as a likable because everyone else in the film is more evil than he is.
What
really keeps the film moving is Helgeland's great dialogue and direction; although,
it should be noted that someone else, who went uncredited, directed part of the
movie. Still, Helgeland was the driving force--keeping the film lively and surprising
with great plot twists. Be warned, however, Payback is fairly dark, extremely
violent and contains a huge body count.
Hopefully
there are no hard feelings between Gibson and Helgeland because they make a great
team. Aside from a few minor plot holes and a rather abrupt ending, Payback is
immensely entertaining.
