In honour (or would it be dishonour) of having played and finished Max Payne 3, I decided to buy and watch the Blu-Ray of Max Payne, starring Mark Wahlberg. In hindsight, it probably wasn’t the best idea.
Short nitty-gritty plot description from IMDb is as follows: Coming together to solve a series of murders in New York City are a police detective whose family was slain as part of a conspiracy and an assassin out to avenge her sister’s death. The duo will be hunted by the police, the mob, and a ruthless corporation.
When Max Payne came out, everyone pretty much hated the film, even the developers of the Max Payne video games disapproved of the final result. Honestly, I can see where the problems in the film lie. All the changes from the video game are not necessary (angles anyone?). The plot is disjointed, slow and the acting can be borderline abusive to one’s health. Mark Wahlberg has the expression of passing a brick through his buttcheeks and Mila Kunis, as Mona Sax, looks like a sneeze could take her out. The film just had to much going against it when it came out.
What does it have going for it you may ask? The visuals of the film are outstanding, capturing the look of the video game, the music helps establish a tone and makes sitting though the film tolerable. A few of the action scenes are intense and violent (if you’re watching the unrated version that is) and Mark Wahlberg’s drug crazed scene is something everyone should see at least once in their life. James McCaffrey, yes the same James McCaffrey from Max Payne 3, appears in a very small role as an FBI agent. That’s cool, I guess.
Conclusion time! A small review for a universally hated film, seems fit doesn’t it? Do I recommend? If you’re a fan of the Max Payne games, you’ve already seen it and already know the answer to that. For everyone else, go in with an open mind and you may actually end up liking it (like my wife).
