Payback

I've said this so many times for all these Covid-era junk releases, you can't be the director, writer, and producer for a film unless you're in the Top 5 and Joseph Mensch doesn't do any of those roles well which makes for a wasted effort. The bones of the plot are ok, but the execution, the screenplay is juvenile and not thought out; in fact, it just gets more stupid and unlikely as it moves along. And it has the most unlikely ending ever, poorest payoff in the past five films you've seen. The only thing worth watching truly were performances by support cast you may recognize: Lev Gorn who played Zotov in "The Americans" and Toby Moore who plays Bryan in "Billions". And our protag/star, Matt Levett, never seen him before. And he plays a character that should've died in so many scenes. Just add this to the Covid-era pile of rubbish out back.

This story of a not-so wise guy persevering through his gritty lot in life is engagingly presented, with effective acting all around, especially on the part of the lead, who comes across as vulnerable and conflicted while the school of hard knocks develops his character into a force to be reckoned with in gangster land. The Russian mob atmosphere was captured well even while including romance and family relationships without trivializing those elements. The film grips and holds you throughout even in the absence of any budgetary fluff. It maintains the feel of realism, and doesn't shy away from a sappily ever after ending.

The Godfather of the Russian mob scene on Brighton beach. Entertaining and suspenseful. Good watch.

Its an Above average movie for a tuesday night! Matt Levett did a good job playing mike. The villans were convincing. The editing could have been better. I thought the movie was going to end several times, nope! It kept on going on and on. He showed interest in certain weapons but it never really mattered. Really no fighting here. Just big talk and shooting. Wheres the cops throughout this movie? Only one ha! Only 1 female with a strong role... but why is she walking around soo slow? Does she have back pain? Love it when the main characters get shot or stabbed, then 5 minutes later they are fully recovered. Gotta love hollywood. Next time im injured Im going there!

Ya know, not a perfect film, but in 2021, im just thankful there's something out there to watch.