This film is a sad and pathetic waste of time. It was also a tragic waste of valuable studio resources, which could have gone into something more productive, like another Jennifer Love Hewitt movie.
But seriously, aside from the needless bloodshed and property destruction, this movie is nothing more than a two-hour long tribute to the human wonder that (we are supposed to believe) is Mel Gibson. One look into those steely eyes of his and we are supposed to accept that he is the greatest, bravest, sexiest actor who ever lived. Of course, that's nowhere near the truth. Everybody knows the greatest actor who has ever lived is Sarah Michelle Gellar.
But I digress. On to the sexist drivel. Ever notice that with every action film, the girls can dish it out, but they never can take it? We are treated to countless scenes in "Payback" of the sexy female gangster beating males bloody, but not a hair on her head is harmed. I guess in Hollywoodland, it's perfectly laudable for women to be perpetrators of violence but it's completely unacceptable for them to be victims of it.
Yes, I realize that BAD guys in movies do beat up on women. But haven't you ever noticed that no matter how evil a female character is portrayed as being, she is NEVER offed by the good guy?
But seriously, aside from the needless bloodshed and property destruction, this movie is nothing more than a two-hour long tribute to the human wonder that (we are supposed to believe) is Mel Gibson. One look into those steely eyes of his and we are supposed to accept that he is the greatest, bravest, sexiest actor who ever lived. Of course, that's nowhere near the truth. Everybody knows the greatest actor who has ever lived is Sarah Michelle Gellar.
But I digress. On to the sexist drivel. Ever notice that with every action film, the girls can dish it out, but they never can take it? We are treated to countless scenes in "Payback" of the sexy female gangster beating males bloody, but not a hair on her head is harmed. I guess in Hollywoodland, it's perfectly laudable for women to be perpetrators of violence but it's completely unacceptable for them to be victims of it.
Yes, I realize that BAD guys in movies do beat up on women. But haven't you ever noticed that no matter how evil a female character is portrayed as being, she is NEVER offed by the good guy?