BLOOD FATHER is an intense little action thriller that also happens to be Mel Gibson's best film as an actor since EDGE OF DARKNESS. The plot is nothing special and sees Gibson playing the usual eccentric hard-bitten type, living in a trailer and estranged from his family. His daughter's involvement with a gang of Mexican drug dealers sees her returning to him to ask from his help, and a chase scenario unfolds from there.
This film is well-shot throughout and efficiently low key. Instead of the fun but over the top mayhem of a JOHN WICK film, in which our protagonist bumps off hundreds of foes effortlessly, Gibson and co. just have five or six tough types ranged against them. The running time is short and the pace snappy, full of hard-bitten dialogue and decent performances from a supporting cast including Michael Parks, Diego Luna, William H. Macy, and Miguel Sandoval. Another treat is that Erin Moriarty isn't your stereotypical whining, bratty adolescent but instead an intelligent-thinking adult too. Gibson is on top form, as always, and the brief but violent bouts of action are expertly staged.
This film is well-shot throughout and efficiently low key. Instead of the fun but over the top mayhem of a JOHN WICK film, in which our protagonist bumps off hundreds of foes effortlessly, Gibson and co. just have five or six tough types ranged against them. The running time is short and the pace snappy, full of hard-bitten dialogue and decent performances from a supporting cast including Michael Parks, Diego Luna, William H. Macy, and Miguel Sandoval. Another treat is that Erin Moriarty isn't your stereotypical whining, bratty adolescent but instead an intelligent-thinking adult too. Gibson is on top form, as always, and the brief but violent bouts of action are expertly staged.