Confidential Informant

I feel bad for the stellar cast that sadly, even they couldn't save this poorly executed mess. I really liked the concept of the story - apparently it's based on actual events (as per closing credits), and in the hands of a better filmmaker, this story could've and should've shined.

But sadly, experienced cinematographer, and producer and director of this film, Michael Oblowitz - with an astonishing 36 prior directorial credits, still hasn't learned how to make a compelling, viewable and engaging film. As a cinematographer, he failed miserably with his choices of horrible color palettes, murky lighting, outdated slow-mo shots and bad camera angles, and he failed even more with his horrible directing, laughable action choreography, shoddy camera work, lackluster editing, and even worse cast direction. His slow pacing made the normally comfortable 88 min runtime feel never-ending.

All these flaws and lack of cinematic creativity, as well as the constant overbearing and unfitting score, hindered what could have been an impactful and suspense-filled narrative. A fifth grade drama class could come up with a better film. I think Oblowitz should find a new hobby, like basket-weaving, and leave filmmaking to those who have the knack. It's a very generous 5/10 all going to the amazing cast who tried their best with what they had to work with. Even if you're a fan like I am of Gibson, Purcell, and the always stunning Kate Bosworth, do yourself a favor and skip this cringe-worthy production, it's not worth your time.

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Is this a joke? Seriously, is this really a joke? Because honestly it was so beyond bad. From the bad color correction, to the poorly written dialogue and acting to the constant music overlapping trying to cover up a horrible movie.

What happened to Mel Gibson? He seems to be doing nothing but b-movies now.

I don't think I bought a single character in this film. And the distracting "music video" editing made it even worse, as if it couldn't get any worse.

There was NOTHING believable about this film, not a single thing.

How did this get green lit? Nick Stahl as a cop? I mean, maybe a drug addict, but not a cop.

This is a BIG NO from me..

While the plot is sound and the subject worthwhile, the execution falls flat in nearly every aspect. Good actors can only do so much with a script that borders on juvenile - quite likely the worst script Michael Kaycheck has put his name on - it seems to be more of a Law and Order episode cowritten by Brooke Nasser and convoluted by the directorial overreach of Michael Oblowitz. All in all a terrible collaboration. As for the cast, great acting by all throughout, which is especially noteworthy given the aforementioned script and amateurish direction. Maybe Oblowitz should stick to short films and music videos if this is the best he can do given such a cast.

... who should not concern themselves with this kind of subject matter and Who means really well and had good ideas about what is fair and equitable in life

• but he does not as yet have the wherewithal to really put it across
• so yes the entire exercise feels childish to an adult viewer of average or above average intelligence

Usually you can say about a film it is good or it is bad; here you cannot as it is both

The ideas are sound and interesting the premise excellent and a critique of a system which is by design unfair

• the way it is put across tho is very sketchy like a blueprint of an effort with the details skimped over. No meat on those bones; just the skeleton. Was the budget really basic? It certainly feels it..

Gibson here is more than a cameo but not hugely so ... he is his usual mix of charm integrity and anarchic humourist; he does his job .... the others are adequate but not sterling

The overall feel is that of a TV movie ... watchable but no great shakes.

Forget about the poster, thinking that this might be another great Mel Gibson dirty cop movie. NOT. Mel Gibson is only starring in this movie for a few lousy minutes, that's all.

The bad: the rest of this movie is filled with C-listed actors, who usually only star in television series and the sorts. This is a new low for Mel Gibson. Why did he have to choose such an inferior movie to star in? Is he running on lower ground? I hope not.

More bad: this movie has NOTHING going for it. It's terribly amateurish. Incredibly cheap looking. But most important of all, there is ZERO thrill or suspense.

Let's forget this was ever made and I hope Mel Gibson gets offered some better roles next time...