Max Payne (15)
Film ReviewsPublished November 25, 2008 at 9:28 No CommentsMax Payne unfortunately follows an abundance of game-to-film adaptations which seem excellent in premise, but are completely lacking in execution. Favouring style over substance, they leave fans disappointed and critics bewildered.
The story f
ollows Max Payne (Mark Wahlberg), a haunted New York cop, assigned to the cold case unit from homicide, upon the murder of his wife and daughter. Through his partner, he discovers the drug Valkyr, a government experimentation designed to bestow super-human strength on its users. From here, Max begins his endeavour to unveil the killers of his family, to avenge their deaths and ultimately, find solace in his life of guilt.
Unfortunately, the source material has been so polluted that the film is nothing more than a tedious 100 minute cliché. There is absolutely nothing fresh or inventive brought to the screen, merely recycled characters and a convoluted plot line revolving around Norse mythology.
Those anticipating the stylish action found in the game, will be incredibly disappointed. There isn’t an action scene of worthy note until over an hour into the film. Max Payne is so caught up in its own plot that it forgets to provide the viewer with anything relatively entertaining.
Several characters in the film are severely miscast, such as Amaury Nolasco as the especially silly Jack Lupino, or completely under-written, like Mila Kunis as Mona Sax; a pivotal character from the videogame. Mark Wahlberg may have been a perfect choice to portray Max Payne; the New York cop with nothing to lose, but sadly Wahlberg is given absolutely nothing to work with and is resigned to merely looking snarl-faced from beginning to end.
The only saving grace Max Payne has is its visuals. The black and white scenery make for a very moody, if at some points, monotonous film noir style backdrop, comparable at times to the likes of Sin City. It’s just a shame that what takes place within this setting is nothing more than a generic thriller, which will be regarded as nothing more than a missed opportunity and a film to avoid.
2/5
By Sam Ward
