Payback

Porter, a double-crossed thief, is left for dead by his partner and the mob. He awakens and, driven by a single-minded need for revenge, systematically hunts down those who betrayed him, wanting his $70,000 cut of the score. His quest for vengeance leads him into the dangerous underworld of organized crime, where he must confront ruthless adversaries and navigate treacherous alliances.

Payback received mixed to positive reviews from critics, who praised its stylish direction, gritty atmosphere, and Mel Gibson's intense performance. While some found the plot somewhat convoluted, many commended its return to a more hard-boiled crime thriller style.

• Praise for Mel Gibson's relentless portrayal of a man seeking retribution.
• Appreciation for the film's dark, atmospheric cinematography and neo-noir sensibilities.
• Criticism for a plot that can feel overly complicated and sometimes repetitive.

Google audience: Audience reviews generally highlight the film's intense action and Gibson's compelling performance as a vengeful protagonist. Many enjoyed the gritty tone and satisfying, albeit violent, conclusion, though some found the narrative a bit predictable.

The film is based on the 1990 novel 'The Hunter' by Donald E. Westlake, writing as Richard Stark. This was the second film adaptation of the novel, the first being 'Point Blank' (1967) starring Lee Marvin.