Review of Get the Gringo (2012) by Harry W — 15 Oct 2013

As Mel Gibson's career has been someone dormant in recent years due to his popularity sinking as a result of his various controversies, most specifically his case of racist comments as a result of being an alcoholic. But I've never lost faith in him, and the day he returns to action cinema is truly a great day.

Get the Gringo presents that day, and it does it well.

For one thing, Get the Gringo is convincingly atmospheric. It makes a believable feel that Mel Gibson is factually in a prison, even if it's a prison and ghetto at the same time.

The sense of being confined is good, and the openness of the location allows The Gringo to explore the society there that way which ensures that nothing in Get the Gringo is short of interesting in terms of placement.

And the action is good, granted there could have been more but it was good because of how it used mainly at moments where it was most necessary and how it was crafted well through fine editing and cinematography with good lighting and sufficient camera angles to get everything in perspective.

And as usual, Mel Gibson gives a strong routine performance in the lead role playing a strong but flawed man that the audience can easily embrace as a hero, and he consistently makes a compelling effort in Get the Gringo which is what gives it a good name.

The presence of Dean Norris is also great for any fan of Breaking Bad to embrace, and his few lines are delivered well.

But Get the Gringo could have used more action. It's focus is on being an action-drama film but needs more action. I mean, the drama isn't bad of anything, it just could have used more action for more stimulation, particularly considering its a Mel Gibson effort, and he's the man renown for being the star of the Mad Max trilogy and Lethal Weapon quadrilogy.

Also, for a film with little action, the pacing becomes significantly slowed down and director Adrian Grunberg fails to incorporate in much sufficiently entertaining for the time being which unfortunately results in boredom. As Get the Gringo is predominantly an action-thriller, there isn't much of a compelling story outside of The Gringo's prison break and experiences within the compound, so the attachment of the viewers interest isn't the strongest.

So although Get the Gringo is somewhat short on action, Mel Gibson really ties it together with his performance.