`Payback' – Sadistic Fun by Homer Yen (c) 1999
Don't mess with Porter (Mel Gibson) because if you do, he'll take matters into his own hands in a moment's notice. Don't cross him because if you do, you're going to feel his wrath. Don't steal from him, because if you do, he will stop at nothing to exact revenge. It doesn't matter what his obstacles are in his way and it doesn't matter how well you try to prepare yourself. This is a man that is extremely clever, and when he finds you, he'll give you a smirk and coldly pull that trigger…even if it's only for a paltry $70,000.
After a flawlessly executed heist, Porter and his partner, Val (Gregg Henry), make off with a cool $140,000. Half of it will be given to Porter, but in this line of work, double-crosses are not uncommon. Although Val made off with the entire amount, his gravest error was that he left Porter alive. After recovering, Porter wants his share and he'll do whatever it takes. It's time for a little payback. And that's what this film is about. There are no twists or turns. Porter wants his money, and the situations that he encounters en route to his money are rather entertaining.
A couple of things makes this movie entertaining. Foremost is Gibson, who looks very comfortable as a bad guy who uses a sordid sense of cruelty to accomplish his goals. He's not intimidated by anyone nor does he show any fear. In fact, he welcomes danger. He's just plain crazy, which makes him fun to watch. Why risk your life for a mere $70,000 of money that wasn't yours to begin with? To get what he wants, he has to outmaneuver corrupt policemen, old enemies, and a host of hit men. But he's also believably clever. So despite the fact that he gets into situations that are more or less suicidal, he manages a way to save himself and get closer to payback. The other is the sense of style that this film projects. Written by Brian Helgeland, who co-wrote `L.A. Confidential,' there are some clever elements where Porter finds ways of tricking the enemy and unexpectedly turning the tables on others. Once the movie sets its tone, you'll also find humor (believe me, you will) in the absurdity of the violence (smashed fingers, crushed toes, groin stomping, and lots of other painful scenes). The violence is warped in the same manner that sex was warped in `There's Something About Mary.' One of the more amusing (or bent) supporting players was Lucy Liu, who played Val's psuedo-girlfriend and leather-clad dominatrix. In one scene, Porter threatens Val with bodily harm. Before he can strike him, she begs Porter to stop and then proceeds to beat him up instead. When Val tries to hit her back, Porter points the gun at him and says, `Let her finish her work.' If you like this film, you'll discover that you may have a delightfully cruel sense of entertainment. I did.
Grade: B
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