The Painter

I think this might be the first time I could be bothered to write a review but...did it pass the time and I kind of followed what was happening? Yes. Was it enjoyable? No. This is what I imagine AI would spit out, direct and costume design (the set design and even cinematography were not bad tbf). There was nothing original in this film plot, but it wasn't satire or parody or even ironic, and it was INCREDIBLY moronic (at one point a computer virus in a flash drive goes up....in flames....). It was awful, but not so disruptively bad for the evening which I gave away to other tasks that I turned it off (there are your 2 stars), but somehow annoying and predictable enough to also be distracting -- and to make me write this review. Don't watch it. It's not bewildering, it's just bad.

Right before seeing this I watched another 2024 action movie: 60 Minutes. There was practically no plotting on that one, but for a realistic feel and some decent action I gave it a 5 on another website. I was a bit surprised by the negative reviews of this movie here on Imdb, so I'm gonna write one that's not so upfront and insulting, you know, one that's more informative.

OK, so I'll point out that I thought the protagonist's essential super hearing was a bit creative. Other than that, I'm not really seeing anything here that hasn't been done before. Even though the writer certainly tried to bring some depth to all the characters (and thankfully the plot relies on this), the actual plot progression has been done many times before. Lather, rinse, repeat. Even the relationships between characters could be seen in the next Spy Kids movie.

We've gotten quite a few action movies that follow a basic formula this year, but this movie is more of a knockoff of many other knockoffs than others. Having said that, the filmmaking itself is never really terrible or even "bad" for that matter, but the acting quality varies and the plot can often be guessed.

Recently, I've observed a trend of many movies receiving unjustly low ratings. It's surprising to see this film rated below 4 stars. In my opinion, a movie should only get 1 or 2 stars if it's a major letdown, which certainly isn't the case here. This movie's storyline may have been explored by various producers before, but it stands out due to its engaging action and a unique take. The casting and action sequences are particularly commendable. There are plenty of movies out there that might deserve lower ratings, but this one clearly surpasses the 5-star mark for action enthusiasts. The first 15 minutes consist of a flashback, but once you get past that, the narrative really pulls you in. Admittedly, there are moments when the plot feels predictable, but it still keeps you hooked, eager to see how it unfolds. Yes other than lead characters other casting is flat.

Within the first 20 minutes of the start, I was thinking ,this would be a much better movie with better actors. Cases in point, Charlie Weber, Marie Avgeropoulos, and Leah Gibson (maybe not quite as bad as the others). No real emotion or even inflection when they're speaking. There were bright spots...Madison Bailey with the emotion and timing, very believable. And Max Montesi with the crazy, VERY BELIEVABLE. As highly predictable as the movie is, it is fast moving with decent action throughout, thank goodness. I don't know that I would actually recommend The Painter, but I did watch it to the end.

I think a few days ago this piece of stink was rated around 8 stars. What nonsense, this is barely a movie. I don't think there was a script. I think everyone kind of figured it out as the shooting of the film progressed. It's so badly made. I'll make a point to look this director up so I can avoid wasting more time in the future. Dude has a future with Asylum doing Transmorpher sequels. The lead actor can't act, even when he doesn't have to say anything. He can't act hurt, injured, upset, sane, or anything. From his face, you'd think he had no clue he was in a movie until after the premier. It's bad guys. Watch something else. This is almost a Neil Breen movie. I guess if I watched it with friends, it would be one of those so bad it's good movie. Critical redundancy :'(