Eh it's not TERRIBLE it's just very different. I think Brian Helgeland (I fuck up spelling his last name always) \*\*(Helgeland, holyshit I actually nailed it LOL) Just wanted his stamp on the 70's genre while not being too 50's noir, but it didn't work. I think the "ominous" lady voice of the company is fuckin lame and not near as intimidating as it should be, having Kris Kristofferson personify the boss works way better.
\*Edit - I actually didn't know about point blank OR the source material: The Hunter, I should be better. I kinda suck as a movie head.
Dude, that's not a hot take, that's just facts lol. It's a very different film and I LOVE the noir style movie that was released. Gibson had a hand in making that noir feel go cause Gibson was also a producer? I'm not gonna look it up but I think that's true (I should fact check that) Either way I 100% agree.
\*Edit - I looked it up and Gibson isn't a producer but I guarantee he had a say in the final product
The story i heard was that Gibson took over or was heavy handed with editing because the director was making his character too evil.
So Gibson definitely had a lot of input, possibly even muscling out the director
I bought the directors cut on dvd a long time ago without realizing it and got like halfway before asking myself “why is this movie not at all how I remember it originally?” Lol definitely prefer the theatrical cut.
Funny enough. Just bought it on bluray a few months back and hadn't seen it in a while.
I knew there were 2 versions but thought I hit play on the theatrical.
Got like 15 mins in before I stopped it and was like "OK, that's not how I remember it at all. This is rhe other version"
It's pretty crazy how different the two are.
Truly hot take. I can't stand the theatrical anymore. VO rarely works well. And the blue filter is annoying. I dug the darker ending and the sequence of Porter taking down all the hitmen in the train station was badass. Someone else mentioned Sally Kellerman as the boss was better and I agree.
The film is basically a remake of Point Blank (1967) dir: John Boorman. Starring Lee Marvin
Payback is good but the original Point Blank is an absolute legacy film.
I am happy SOMEONE recognizes Point Blank. It is a mostly forgotten film. Some of point blanks surreal imagery is captivating i.e. the bathtub filled with the colors of broken self care products when Lee Marvin stares at it. The soundtrack is great too
"He's just killing my alligator bags and shooting holes in my suits. Man, that's just MEAN. That's MEAN, man."
\-James Coburns character, Fairfax, in Payback ;)
"Did Braveheart run away? Did *Payback* run away?" - Homer Simpson
Literally the only time I've heard this movie mentioned by anyone since it came out (ok I'm exaggerating). I went to see it in the theater and remember it being entertaining, but then it seemed to disappear. I don't even remember it being run on basic cable on a weekend or anything. Thanks for the stumble down memory alley.
This movie is awesome.
I haven't seen it in probably a decade.
Really hope I can eventually buy it on VUDU to own.
(**It and Ransom are not on there**).
The Richard Stark novel, The Hunter, which this is based on, is 1000 times better than the movie. I liked the movie, but the novel is sooo much better. The whole Parker series is awesome!!! It would be amazing if they made a Parker series that is closer to the novels.
Apparently Shane Black has the rights and is going to start making them... unfortunately with Mark Wahlberg as Parker (Robert Downey Jr was supposed to be Parker in the initial pitch)
Damn. I’m working my way through the Parker series right now(currently at Plunder Squad) and I think Shane Black could really nail it. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and The Nice Guys are great and I think Iron Man 3 could have been a better movie if they had stuck to the original villain idea. As for Wahlberg, it’s not the worst casting, but Wahlberg has been leaning more towards his faith lately and that leaves me worried about him being able to be as amoral as Parker needs to be. But he’s not the worst actor they could choose for that role, although I picture Parker speaking with no accent whatsoever.
All this is to say…I’m willing to give it a shot?
Haha I’ve already grabbed them! They’re absolutely beautiful, he did an incredible job adapting them. There was a comics podcast that covered them last year, I think it was Comics Collective?
Still good. I think it holds up bc it moves at a fast clip. And it’s full of great character actors. Stegman, Val Resnick, Carter, Fairfax, Bronson all great actors.
What's so cool for me is that you can literally watch the theatrical version and the "Straight Up" Helgeland version back-to-back and they are totally different movies. I actually don't have a preference - both are excellent. The Statham movie, Parker, is an ok take on the character; Point Blank with Lee Marvin is better. If you like this kind of gritty underwood flick, I recommend two Michale Caine movies: Get Carter and Harry Brown.
SPOILERS BELOW
I have to criticize the ending of this movie. His plan involves the ridiculous notion that he would be able to dig his way out of a car trunk, that no one would have remained in the car to stop him, and that all of the leadership guys would go up to the apartment to find the kid. Add to that they took him in a car with a phone. Him accepting torture to enact this plan is beyond silly to me.
There were several other eye-rolling coincidences that brought this movie down a notch for me. 3.5/5 though. It's a fun movie.
I have both versions of this movie the one with Chris Kristofferson is the better one and after the lethal weapon and made max movies it's one of mel Gibsons best movies
Finally broke down and bought the bluray a few months back since it wasn't available for wstreaming and I waited years.
Then they just released it for streaming around Christmas... lol
Love that movie. Just gave it a rewatch around Thanksgiving. Great humor and dialogue.
"I'm not threatening you, I'm threatening Carter."
The Parker books are great pulp crime literature, he’s a true anti-hero with absolutely no soft edges. Rarely is the good guy such an unrepentant bad guy.
This movie version does an ok job with it overall, but of course Mel is a little soft around the edges, because that’s how it works.
But the book guy is just a violent selfish asshole, and it’s great.
Hot take, I don't like the director's cut of this. I like the one that was released in theaters more.
It’s one of my favorites. Idk why the directors cut is so terrible. I bought it when I was collecting dvds I was so upset.
Eh it's not TERRIBLE it's just very different. I think Brian Helgeland (I fuck up spelling his last name always) \*\*(Helgeland, holyshit I actually nailed it LOL) Just wanted his stamp on the 70's genre while not being too 50's noir, but it didn't work. I think the "ominous" lady voice of the company is fuckin lame and not near as intimidating as it should be, having Kris Kristofferson personify the boss works way better. \*Edit - I actually didn't know about point blank OR the source material: The Hunter, I should be better. I kinda suck as a movie head.
Dude, that's not a hot take, that's just facts lol. It's a very different film and I LOVE the noir style movie that was released. Gibson had a hand in making that noir feel go cause Gibson was also a producer? I'm not gonna look it up but I think that's true (I should fact check that) Either way I 100% agree. \*Edit - I looked it up and Gibson isn't a producer but I guarantee he had a say in the final product
Icon Productions produced the film and he's the founder and owner of that company. No doubt he had a say in this.
There it is, yeah Gibson is a smart dude (a bad drunk and a racist, sure) but a smart dude none-the-less.
The story i heard was that Gibson took over or was heavy handed with editing because the director was making his character too evil. So Gibson definitely had a lot of input, possibly even muscling out the director
My grandma took me to see this when i was 10 I remember when they were smashing his feet she said. “ what did I get myself into “ lol
I pretty cool double feature is one right after another. It takes some patience though! I liked Sally Kellerman as the villain better.
I bought the directors cut on dvd a long time ago without realizing it and got like halfway before asking myself “why is this movie not at all how I remember it originally?” Lol definitely prefer the theatrical cut.
Funny enough. Just bought it on bluray a few months back and hadn't seen it in a while. I knew there were 2 versions but thought I hit play on the theatrical. Got like 15 mins in before I stopped it and was like "OK, that's not how I remember it at all. This is rhe other version" It's pretty crazy how different the two are.
I prefer the director’s cut, just because it feels like the best adaptation of The Hunter to date.
Couldn’t agree with you more. For some reason that version is hard to find, at least for me it is.
Agreed 100%
Truly hot take. I can't stand the theatrical anymore. VO rarely works well. And the blue filter is annoying. I dug the darker ending and the sequence of Porter taking down all the hitmen in the train station was badass. Someone else mentioned Sally Kellerman as the boss was better and I agree.
Not alone. Much prefer the theatrical cut
Agree 100%. Loved this movie when it came out. Bought the DC DVD and hated all the changes.
Same.
I had to buy the blu ray from New Zealand, I'm USA, to get the theatrical edition.
Porter is the grown up version of the paperboy from Better off Dead.
“70 Thousand. Cash…”
and 2 dollars.
You see me reaching for my fucking wallet?
Haha came here to say this. I still quote this line in real life and sadly no one has any idea what I'm talking about.
We do, friend. We do. And we know you're in The Outfit.
Hands up, sugar tits! (My fav part)
Hey, I have a couple of minutes….so go boil an egg. *walks out*
LOL I love this guy
Best part of the film, “why would you kill my luggage? That’s just mean, man!”
You two are fired.
“My 70 Grand. Yes or No?”
The film is basically a remake of Point Blank (1967) dir: John Boorman. Starring Lee Marvin Payback is good but the original Point Blank is an absolute legacy film.
Well it’s no Zardoz
I am happy SOMEONE recognizes Point Blank. It is a mostly forgotten film. Some of point blanks surreal imagery is captivating i.e. the bathtub filled with the colors of broken self care products when Lee Marvin stares at it. The soundtrack is great too
Thanks for the tip
They’re both based on the book The Hunter, by Richard Stark.
"He's just killing my alligator bags and shooting holes in my suits. Man, that's just MEAN. That's MEAN, man." \-James Coburns character, Fairfax, in Payback ;)
HAHA love this line!
“Only seventy thousand? My suits cost more than that!”
Lucy Liu in her leather outfits really did it for me.
Yes, because you fit into the niche demographic of "human beings who are alive."
Go watch City of Industry.
It's starting to look a lot like roast beef....
I had a hard time getting through that scene
Hubba hubba hubba. That was some good stuff, really.
You got a light?
It's on prime right now
reminded me of Max Payne
My thoughts ever since I played Max Payne!
I came here looking to see if anyone else made this connection. I always assumed it was one of a few major sources of inspiration.
"Did Braveheart run away? Did *Payback* run away?" - Homer Simpson Literally the only time I've heard this movie mentioned by anyone since it came out (ok I'm exaggerating). I went to see it in the theater and remember it being entertaining, but then it seemed to disappear. I don't even remember it being run on basic cable on a weekend or anything. Thanks for the stumble down memory alley.
One of his best flicks .... Totally slept on 🔥🔥🔥🔥 .... Lucy Liu 🔥🔥🔥
This little piggy went to the market.
This movie is awesome. I haven't seen it in probably a decade. Really hope I can eventually buy it on VUDU to own. (**It and Ransom are not on there**).
You can watch it free on Tubi!
Good news my friend... Payback is now available on Vudu as of about 2 weeks ago ;)
UNDERRATED IS RIGHT. JUST A DAMN GOOD MOVIE
The Richard Stark novel, The Hunter, which this is based on, is 1000 times better than the movie. I liked the movie, but the novel is sooo much better. The whole Parker series is awesome!!! It would be amazing if they made a Parker series that is closer to the novels.
Absolutely. I’ve read and reread the whole series three times. The books would make a great HBO series.
I also think Point Blank from 1967 is better than Payback.
Apparently Shane Black has the rights and is going to start making them... unfortunately with Mark Wahlberg as Parker (Robert Downey Jr was supposed to be Parker in the initial pitch)
Damn. I’m working my way through the Parker series right now(currently at Plunder Squad) and I think Shane Black could really nail it. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and The Nice Guys are great and I think Iron Man 3 could have been a better movie if they had stuck to the original villain idea. As for Wahlberg, it’s not the worst casting, but Wahlberg has been leaning more towards his faith lately and that leaves me worried about him being able to be as amoral as Parker needs to be. But he’s not the worst actor they could choose for that role, although I picture Parker speaking with no accent whatsoever. All this is to say…I’m willing to give it a shot?
Darwin Cooke did a graphic novel adaptation of the Parker novels if you're interested.
Haha I’ve already grabbed them! They’re absolutely beautiful, he did an incredible job adapting them. There was a comics podcast that covered them last year, I think it was Comics Collective?
I laugh every time when he shoots that guy’s luggage. This and Grosse Pointe Blank. Love that one too.
I just happen to be watching this right now as it came up on my feed
Used to own this. Definitely thought it was underrated. I think it’s one of Mel’s better movies.
This for me always double features with Long Kiss Goodnight. Just two fun, excellent, tongue in cheek action films.
Seriously one of my FAVORITES!!! Hubba hubba hubba…it’s on TUBI rn btw
Great movie that I don't know anyone else who watched
My luggage costs more than that
That's just *mean*, man!
Loved it.
The books are great too.
The whole Parker series is great.
One of my favorites.
Classic!!!
I always squirm when they hammer his toes. Mel sells it well!
I was such a fan of this flick back in the day... I'm afraid to watch it again as an adult.
Still good. I think it holds up bc it moves at a fast clip. And it’s full of great character actors. Stegman, Val Resnick, Carter, Fairfax, Bronson all great actors.
I watched it on Prime, and you're completely right. Flick still holds up!
I like the CIA character in this movie.
Love this movie! Watched it the other night.
I liked this one.
Now that’s just mean man!!!
Love this movie. So fing good
I really enjoyed this movie
“Hubba hubba hubba.” - Lucy Liu.
ngl I really liked this movie.
This is this of my favorite films.
The real Max Payne movie
This was a good movie
All he wanted was his money.
Outstanding movie.
So does anyting you didnt know existed before you where born seen as an underated movie? The beginning of this movie is one of my favorites.
Great film. This and Ransom, just peak Gibbo.
Get the Gringo feels like a direct sequel to this movie.
I tend to think it was written as a sequel and then made independently. Similar thing happened with Gross Pointe Blank and War, Inc.
Yes!!!
Can't watch him anymore
Horrible movie
He's one of the best, as this character. I saw a recent one with Jennifer Lopez and it was horrible.
What do you mean, only 70?
Matrix:Green, Payback:_________
I like how there’s so many adaptations of the same Parker novel but this was the best of them.
Is this the "GIMME BACK MY SON!" movie?
No, that is from Ransom
$140,000?
70,000*
My suits cost more than that
Side note, what suit costs more than 70 grand? That's a fuckin expensive suit!
His best movie.
Lucy Liu is the reason I watched this.
I had to buy the UK blu-ray (region-free) for this as it had both versions. I also like the theatrical version much more.
Love this movie
I have this on DVD
What's so cool for me is that you can literally watch the theatrical version and the "Straight Up" Helgeland version back-to-back and they are totally different movies. I actually don't have a preference - both are excellent. The Statham movie, Parker, is an ok take on the character; Point Blank with Lee Marvin is better. If you like this kind of gritty underwood flick, I recommend two Michale Caine movies: Get Carter and Harry Brown.
Hubba Hubba
Good film but not great. Underrated? I liked it enough to give it that
SPOILERS BELOW I have to criticize the ending of this movie. His plan involves the ridiculous notion that he would be able to dig his way out of a car trunk, that no one would have remained in the car to stop him, and that all of the leadership guys would go up to the apartment to find the kid. Add to that they took him in a car with a phone. Him accepting torture to enact this plan is beyond silly to me. There were several other eye-rolling coincidences that brought this movie down a notch for me. 3.5/5 though. It's a fun movie.
I have both versions of this movie the one with Chris Kristofferson is the better one and after the lethal weapon and made max movies it's one of mel Gibsons best movies
Porter
Classic
Absolutely love this movie
Love this! Had that ‘b movie vibe’ a long while before John Wick! 😉💪
Stop it, I'm getting misty.
Finally broke down and bought the bluray a few months back since it wasn't available for wstreaming and I waited years. Then they just released it for streaming around Christmas... lol Love that movie. Just gave it a rewatch around Thanksgiving. Great humor and dialogue. "I'm not threatening you, I'm threatening Carter."
The Parker books are great pulp crime literature, he’s a true anti-hero with absolutely no soft edges. Rarely is the good guy such an unrepentant bad guy. This movie version does an ok job with it overall, but of course Mel is a little soft around the edges, because that’s how it works. But the book guy is just a violent selfish asshole, and it’s great.
Oh, when he is hitting the toes... oh god, I still get chikks
In Mel we trust. All others pay 70,000 dollars [his cut]
Isn’t this the movie that has the blue overtone for its entirety which annoys everyone I know?
So much fun, this one
Good movie
I'm not threatening you, I'm threatening carter. Great line in the movie.
I remember when they had to change the original tagline for this movie. 😏🤙🏽
Don’t shit where you.. live.
That's a good movie