»
Main Page
DVD Review: Payback - The Director's Cut (Paramount)
By Michael Sullivan Apr 1, 2007, 19:42 Payback was one of Mel Gibson's better roles. He played Porter, a thief who finds himself double-crossed out of 70,000 and to add insult to injury, is shot and left to die. Payback is basically Porter climbing the stairs of a crime ring determined to get his 70K back and God help those who stand in his way. The movie was loud, slick and very violent. What made this film a little different was Mel Gibson, it was his first "bad guy" role. Porter is truly bad, he is no saint and Gibson's gritty, tough performance is a real pleasure to watch. The screenplay was written by the director, Brian Helgeland, who also has directed two other outstanding Aussie actors in an Hollywood movie, Russell Crowe in "L.A. Confidental" and Heath Ledger in the vastly underated "The Order". This version of Payback is the original cut Helgeland wanted released but was forced to cut. The movie is slightly longer but doesn't suffer for it, its a new take that you'll see thru Brian's eyes. And the extra features are pretty sweet as well, Helgeland does commentary, you get two on set locations featurettes and the best part, an interview w/author Donald Westlake who penned the original novel, "The Hunter". This was hugely enjoyable to see again and I recommend swapping out the first version for the Director's Cut! - Review by © Copyright Michael Sullivan - Here and There on MySpace » Sign up for Movie Vine Newsletter updates! » Email this article to a friend ...................................................................... © Copyright 2004-2009 by MovieVine.com OWNER/FOUNDER Wendy Shepherd - StudioMatrix.com Privacy Policy |
|