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Payback (1999) Reviews

Payback (1999)
Member Rating:  
Porter (Mel Gibson) is pulled into a heist by his old friend, Val (Brian De Palma regular, Gregg Henry). As they're stealing $130,000 in laundered drug money from Chinese Triads, no one is going to call the police. Everything goes smoothly until Porter's wife, Lynn (Deborah Kara Unger), shoots Porter in the back. After Val had shown Lynn a photo of Porter in the arms of another girl (Maria Bello), the two planned the double-cross together to pay off Val's mob debts so he could return to "The Syndicate." They didn't plan well enough, though, because five months later Porter's back, a complete sociopath who wants his $70,000. Brian Helgeland, the screenwriter for L.A. Confidential and Conspiracy Theory, makes his directing debut with this adaptation of the novel The Hunter by Donald E. Westlake writing under the pseudonym, Richard Stark. The same novel served as the basis for John Boorman's Point Blank starring Lee Marvin. ~ Chris Gore, Rovi

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Starring:
Mel Gibson, Gregg Henry, (more)
Director(s):
Brian Helgeland
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD  |  Blu-ray
View All Versions to rent and buy
 
 
 
 
 
 

Average Ratings

(47 member reviews)  

Member Reviews

Joshua F.

The directors cut is actually a SHORTENED version of the movie. They cut out some of the most memorable scenes as well as all the narration by Mel Gibson's character. GET THE THEATRICAL VERSION! Most people like it better (Mel Gibson in the commentary said so himself).

Yes   |   No


Guy G.

Wow what an improvement over the 'Studio' cut/release. I liked the original version fine maybe a 2 1/2-3 star movie but this version is a major improvement. It gets back to the meanness of the character and book it's based on. IT explains some things missing in the studio cut. My only complaint... I watched this on the HD-DVD disc. Why couldn't the studio cut be included as well especially for comparison sake?! There is a doc on how this version was made but not a scene by scene comparison. But watch this if you like modern twists on the Noir convention. Also this in this version is one of the better modern spins on '70's crime films as well. Really captures the essence of the '70's film style and the 50's noir conventions.

Yes   |   No


Stephan F.

It was fun to see this version of the film with no voice over, more grit and a completely different ending. I enjoyed the special feature regarding this version. I understand the studios hesitation but sometimes it's nice to see something that isn't wrapped up in a nice little bow at the end. I would recommend this version.

Yes   |   No


Lois L.

I saw the movie before and I liked the other version better

Yes   |   No


LINDA K.

I preferred the theatrical release. The director's cut was too bleak.

Yes   |   No


Lawrence C D.

Porter played by Mel Gibson just wants his $70,000 back, after being setup. So he went after his money and got it and then some, a lot of killing and action, a very entertaining movie.

Yes   |   No


Erik J.

I thought I was watching a different movie! If only all "director's cuts" could be this different! I have to re-watch the original to recall all the differences, but this new edit should be seen by all who enjoyed the original. Whole new soundtrack lends to a moodier, edgier world. 98% of the levity has been removed, but to excellent effect! Whether you prefer the original cut or this one, you'll still love watching Porter hunt people down and kill them in cold blood- but all he wants is his $70,000 back!

Yes   |   No


Gerald S.

Good movie. Mel just wanted what was his and nothing more.... good popcorn movie.

Yes   |   No


Bobbee N.

This movie portrays the determination of 1 man to stand on his principals. It is action packed and well acted. The story line plays out well, however, the abrupt ending leaves you wondering and forced to draw your own conclusions.

Yes   |   No


Tara L.

A lot of swearing (which doesn't offend me) but overkill. Typical mafia movie!

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

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    Member Reviews
    Read all (47)
     
    Joshua F.

    The directors cut is actually a SHORTENED version of the movie. They cut out some of the most memorable scenes as well as all the narration by Mel Gibson's character. GET THE THEATRICAL VERSION! Most people like it better (Mel Gibson in the commentary said so himself).

    Yes   |   No

     
    Guy G.

    Wow what an improvement over the 'Studio' cut/release. I liked the original version fine maybe a 2 1/2-3 star movie but this version is a major improvement. It gets back to the meanness of the character and book it's based on. IT explains some things missing in the studio cut. My only complaint... I watched this on the HD-DVD disc. Why couldn't the studio cut be included as well especially for comparison sake?! There is a doc on how this version was made but not a scene by scene comparison. But watch this if you like modern twists on the Noir convention. Also this in this version is one of the better modern spins on '70's crime films as well. Really captures the essence of the '70's film style and the 50's noir conventions.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Stephan F.

    It was fun to see this version of the film with no voice over, more grit and a completely different ending. I enjoyed the special feature regarding this version. I understand the studios hesitation but sometimes it's nice to see something that isn't wrapped up in a nice little bow at the end. I would recommend this version.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 47 Reviews
       

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