Payback
Payback

Payback

1988Movie90 minEnglish

A right-wing revolutionary group called Strikeforce goes on a kidnapping and murdering spree in order to obtain a lethal top secret weapon. A Vietnam Vet called Jason Shepherd is called in to track the group down.

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Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes52%
Metacritic54/100
Google Users75%
Director: Tony ScottGenres: Action, Crime, Thriller

Plot Summary

Porter, a thief double-crossed and left for dead by his partner, is back to exact revenge and reclaim his share of the loot. As he ruthlessly works his way up the criminal underworld, he uncovers a deeper conspiracy involving a powerful crime syndicate and the police.

Critical Reception

Payback received mixed reviews from critics, with many praising Mel Gibson's performance and the film's stylish direction and gritty atmosphere. However, some found the plot convoluted and the violence excessive. Audiences generally responded more positively, appreciating the action and Gibson's tough-guy persona.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its stylish, neo-noir visuals and Mel Gibson's committed performance.
  • Criticized by some for its convoluted plot and excessive, often brutal, violence.
  • Seen as a solid, if somewhat derivative, crime thriller with a strong lead.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's intense action sequences and Mel Gibson's portrayal of a relentless anti-hero seeking retribution. Some viewers found the plot predictable, but the overall sentiment leaned towards enjoyment of the gritty crime thriller elements.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the 1962 novel 'The Hunter' by Donald E. Westlake, writing as Richard Stark, which was previously adapted in 1967 as 'Point Blank' starring Lee Marvin.

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