Minor/Vague Spoilers
Mel Gibson's return to charismatic form in Blood Father is nothing short of a great success. His character is a recovering alcoholic which is interesting to watch considering how it parallels his current state in life. Although he has done some terrible things in the past I can look past it and when it comes to anyone in Hollywood I can separate their real life from the character they're portraying in the film. It has never been a factor and most likely never will so if this is something that gives you pause I would still recommend everyone see this film and judge Gibson based on the character he plays in the film and not the craziness that is Mel Gibson in real life.
The film reminded me of Taken just when it comes down to the basic plot of main character's daughter needs protecting and he will stop at nothing to do so. Lydia Link, portrayed by Erin Moriarty, is estranged from her father and finds herself in trouble with a gang of drug dealers so she goes to her father, Gibson, for help. The relationship between these two is nothing short of amazing. The film really captures how Gibson wants to be a better father and the journey that this 90 minute film takes them on; just from a character development standpoint is very impressive.
Gibson's character has great interactions with his neighbour/sponsor, played by William H. Macy, who isn't in the movie a lot but when he is he brings the comic relief for the other characters to play off.
Most people would call this an action movie and while I would kind of agree I would also say that it comes across as more of a drama with action elements throughout, to propel the characters and the plot forward.
Going into the third act Mel Gibson really digs his teeth into this role where he taps into his Mad Max past and shows that he still has it when it comes to an action based film. This is where the film picks up entirely from a little lull in the middle and makes this film even more fun. Which is a word I don't really like using because it makes it seem like it is a bit mediocre but that is not the case at all.
The way the film is shot and edited makes it seem like it is low budget but that doesn't take anything away from the film. Instead it feels much more isolated and gritty which also makes the intensity and tension of the film much higher. Sometimes I need more so it isn't just a simple paint-by-numbers big blockbuster summer action movie e.g. The Avengers or Batman V Superman. It is much more realistic which makes it even better that most superhero movies I have seen. Sure, it can be said that it has a pretty predictable plot but it is the characters takes this film above the other action movies.
All in all the film is extremely enjoyable and a surprise that sneaked up on me this year and I do hope this leads to more great movies from Mel Gibson.
Mel Gibson's return to charismatic form in Blood Father is nothing short of a great success. His character is a recovering alcoholic which is interesting to watch considering how it parallels his current state in life. Although he has done some terrible things in the past I can look past it and when it comes to anyone in Hollywood I can separate their real life from the character they're portraying in the film. It has never been a factor and most likely never will so if this is something that gives you pause I would still recommend everyone see this film and judge Gibson based on the character he plays in the film and not the craziness that is Mel Gibson in real life.
The film reminded me of Taken just when it comes down to the basic plot of main character's daughter needs protecting and he will stop at nothing to do so. Lydia Link, portrayed by Erin Moriarty, is estranged from her father and finds herself in trouble with a gang of drug dealers so she goes to her father, Gibson, for help. The relationship between these two is nothing short of amazing. The film really captures how Gibson wants to be a better father and the journey that this 90 minute film takes them on; just from a character development standpoint is very impressive.
Gibson's character has great interactions with his neighbour/sponsor, played by William H. Macy, who isn't in the movie a lot but when he is he brings the comic relief for the other characters to play off.
Most people would call this an action movie and while I would kind of agree I would also say that it comes across as more of a drama with action elements throughout, to propel the characters and the plot forward.
Going into the third act Mel Gibson really digs his teeth into this role where he taps into his Mad Max past and shows that he still has it when it comes to an action based film. This is where the film picks up entirely from a little lull in the middle and makes this film even more fun. Which is a word I don't really like using because it makes it seem like it is a bit mediocre but that is not the case at all.
The way the film is shot and edited makes it seem like it is low budget but that doesn't take anything away from the film. Instead it feels much more isolated and gritty which also makes the intensity and tension of the film much higher. Sometimes I need more so it isn't just a simple paint-by-numbers big blockbuster summer action movie e.g. The Avengers or Batman V Superman. It is much more realistic which makes it even better that most superhero movies I have seen. Sure, it can be said that it has a pretty predictable plot but it is the characters takes this film above the other action movies.
All in all the film is extremely enjoyable and a surprise that sneaked up on me this year and I do hope this leads to more great movies from Mel Gibson.