Blood Father 2016

Director: Jean-François Richet

Writer: Peter Craig, Andrea Berloff

Starring: Mel Gibson, Erin Moriarty, Diego Luna, Michael Parks, William H. Macy

Even after it ends, I still have not decided if I like this title for this movie, whether or not this was supposed to be a comedy or tragedy, or whether I love or hate this film.

As a Mel Gibson flick, with a title like that, certain expectations are automatically in place: action, at least one corny one liner, some form of revenge, and a simple plot. The mini homage to road warrior was a delightful, cheeky bonus.

Despite the so-wrong-it’s-right support casting, a plot hole ridden script, and general unbelievability, this film follows the golden rule of action, revenge, and basically all film: never be boring. Perhaps largely due to a well edited script, a good pace, and snappy (if at times completely unbelievable) dialogue, this film remains entertaining from scene to scene, which is a feat considering the film sticks to the usual action revenge 3 act format.

If you’ve never seen a Mel Gibson film, an action/revenge film, or you’ve lived under a rock for a few decades, you may get a kick out of this film, but there are way better Mel Gibson flicks to see. If you’ve seen every Mel Gibson film ever made, (and you know the gossip surrounding his personal life to boot), then you too will get a kick out of this film, albeit for completely different reasons.

If you’re a fan of the Gibson oeuvre, and you’re waiting for a road warrior reboot, it’s probably never going to happen. But Gramps can still ride a bike, tell a joke, kill bad guys, and look good doing it.

Actually, I can’t imagine anyone else doing a better job with this role. So, I guess Gibson once again eliminates the competition, in this lane anyway.