Mercy

Obviously action movies tend to dismiss realism for a good view, but this just scrapes by as watchable due to its unrealistic plot and characters that just don't fit. A medical officer portrayed as some kind of elite hand to hand combat specialist, assisted by an agent who just seems to blunder his way through the ordeal. Then we have an Irish family with poor accents, no regard for the outcome of their actions - just bouncing from one mishap to another, hardly the traits of an organised mob gang. Shame it didn't have some one liners and a comedic slant as it would had have improved the outcome dramatically.

Military doctor Michelle (Leah Gibson) survives a dangerous explosion while treating a soldier. It's two years later and she's working at a hospital. She is about to leave work with her son Bobby when the FBI comes rushing in with prisoner Ryan Quinn. They have injured and the Quinn Irish criminal family coming after them. The family is led by patriarch Patrick Quinn (Jon Voight) and his murderous son Sean Quinn (Jonathan Rhys Meyers). The Quinn family gang takes over the hospital and looks to recover Ryan.

Leah Gibson seems to be a thirtysomething actress who had worked a lot in secondary roles. She's blonde. She has boobs which she uses in an early shower scene. She does surprisingly functional action. She's a fine physical actress from her dance work. Along with her, this has a couple of big name actors. This has potential, but it also stinks of B-movie. Sadly, the stink wins out in this case. The writing is bland and the filmmaking is poor. They basically have the run of a building and shot a film there. B-movies like this needs great stunt sequences, but they are only passable. There is nothing here but a forgettable B-movie.

Jon Voight at his worst Sad to se a great actor get involve in garbage like this is, absolutely devastating. This film is awful.

The plot holes are massive. I mean you would have to suspend all reality of society to believe some of the things that occur to set up the "story" or "plot" or whatever this thing is. There are other parts where you will just shake your head and ask: Why. That's the main question. This is utter nonsense. Unless you're into watching a plot that moves in ways that confuse you and make you annoyed, I would avoid this movie. Not good. I have never wanted a film to end so much in my life.

It's such a foolish scene, especially towards the end when they all meet up near Merturay. The father and son start to quarrel, but Dr. Michelle (Leah Gibson) stands there and watches. Wouldn't people run away when they have chances in real life?? These are just some of the pathetic scenes that I notice.

Director Tony Dean Smith may not get another good film after this and Leah Gibson must think before signing up for another film.

One of the worst parts of the film was when 2 FBI officers saluting the Dr Michelle when she appeared on the roof of the hospital. What a pathetic scene. The FBI chap's part was unbelievable. Do FBIs really do their job like that?

An Irish crime family takes over a hospital in Washington (state) when the heir of the business is wounded in a clash with law enforcement. A doctor with military experience helps authorities from the inside (Leah Gibson). Jon Voight is on hand as the Irish 'Godfather.'

"Mercy" (2023) is a snappy crime thriller in the mold of "Die Hard," just with a lower budget and a kick-axx woman in the top role instead of Bruce Willis.

Speaking of whom, Leah Gibson shines here and is one of the main reasons for seeing this minor flick that cost $5 million. The only other film I've seen her in is "The Devil's Ground" from 14 years prior where she had the same distinctive doe-eyed face, but with a stick figure; she's thankfully filled out over the years and looks great in tight jeans. Her beauty is well displayed throughout without getting sleazy.

Another positive is that "Mercy" is pro-Conservative. Critics are too hard on it seeing as how it delivers the goods if you're in the mood for a quick action thriller.

The movie is short-n-sweet at 1 hour, 25 minutes, and was presumably shot in the Seattle area (you can see the Space Needle in the distance). I say 'presumably' because I can't find specifics on the locations.

GRADE: B-