Review of Max Payne (2008) by Wistremundo D — 29 May 2013

"Max Payne, he's been hunting. Kicking down doors, looking for something that God wants to stay hidden".

The film Max Payne is scarcely the video game. Using the same characters, plot and paying homage to the source material through imagery, it just doesn't live up to expectations or provides a strong enough counter story to stand on its own.

The story is timeless, good hearted peace officer comes home to find his family murdered by drug infused criminals, he turns into a anti-hero making his own rules to find those response. If that wasn't enough, Norse mythology is also brought into the mix only to be poorly executed, explained and erroneous. Mark Wahlberg stars as Max and couldn't give a more average performance, nothing that hasn't been seen before & providing little narration for which his film's character is known. The rest of the cast is made of fine actors, Mila Kunis, Beau Bridges, Ludacris and Donal Logue, unfortunately nobody here will be earning an Oscar for their performance.

Director John Moore does a great job of bringing the noir onto screen, those shots looks absolutely gorgeous. The rarely used bullet time scenes looks nice as well, matching the Norse mythology Valkyrie scenes in expansion, Moore has the camera rotate to show detail within each shot matched with some fast cutting. The nightly Toronto city, here serving as New York, looks fantastic with bright snowy city serving as the perfect backdrop for the revenge film.

Payne arrives on Blu-ray with a single disc proving two watching experiences: unrated and the rated theatrical release. The difference is a PG-13 stamp, violence and blood and three minutes. Picture and sound are great, showcasing the director's landscapes and the story's strong gun usage. Extras included are making of documentary, commentary and trailers. The plus here is a digital copy, theatrical and a Michelle Payne graphic novel, serving as the film's prologue & answers some questions.

Max Payne falls into the category of forgetful video game adaption. Direction carries some sweet black and white noir shots but the story & stars do nothing to enrich this typical revenge thriller. This hundred minute or hundred and three minute film won't leave you in pain but it doesn't do anything to make you feel your fully invested time is worth a purchase or rental.

Last Words: C, Payne isn't unbearable but serious action & game fans won't find it very exciting.