Max Payne (2008)

For a screen adaptation this is too loose in terms of script. For a fresh new story about cop taking his revenge against drugs and conspiracy this is also too loose in terms of script. I won't join my voice with the chorus saying "this is not how it had been in the game". The lowest-rate reviews are of that kind. Yet, writers had to choose side. Which they did not. In terms of brand new movie this is simple: plot seems too much generic. Just another cop who takes revenge for his family against conspiracy and corruption. How many of that kind do we know? A lot.In terms of screen adaptation there's too little of Max Payne in this Max Payne movie. Yes, we've got picturesque scenes and precisely directed vignettes (more of the visual kind). But... you know, that is all. Not a movie of Max Payne, but a movie with a cameo of Max Payne. Some different story that takes place somewhere in those parts, and remarkable details glimpse to you now and then. Yet, a totally different story. Not only in script (god knows, that is not necessary) but in the terms of feeling. Bright sun, neat offices, cute family-driven premises are not the things that should surround us! Still... I can't say this is a bad movie. Everything but script seems supreme. To me, at least. I really like visuals. I think Mark Wahlberg is a fairly good Max Payne (except that brand stupid smile is lost). And I love how accurate and beautifully they depict weapons. and...Overall, if you can stand a stupid script, I think you will like this.

As a huge fan of the games, this movie is horrible. The action scenes are incredibly boring, the writing is awful, and the ending is poorly executed. Not to mention that there's a scene after the credits, which this film was planned to have a sequel. Why is there flying demons in a Max Payne movie? Here's what I did like about the movie: Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis are two of my favorite actors of all time; it's too bad that they're in this crappy film. Another thing I liked were the Easter eggs like the Valkyr graffiti on the walls. There's an unrated version, but it doesn't make the movie any better. Don't watch this film. Even if you are a hardcore fan of the games, you'll be begging for the minutes you've spent watching this turd back.

I am a hardcore fan of the original game. It was a Neo-Noir Thriller meets John Woo type of game. However, when I went to see this film I lowered my expectations as many video game to movie adaptations are horrendous. What I saw was a generically action film, with none of the heart and meaning of the games. The casting choice itself was "acceptable" as Marky Mark kinda tried to act the role, given the script sucks, which was admirable. From changing important characters to cliché filled scenes, there is really not much to praise, except for a few visual scenes and some Slow motion action scenes. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!SPOILER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Even the main villain, a baffling choice to make it BB(Backstabbing Bastard) instead of Nicole Horne, who would've given the film an interesting and unsuspecting villain was demoted to a second tier character. Mila Kunis as Mona does not seem right, as her lines feel weak and forced, with almost no emotion behind it.(Same goes for other actors as well). All in all it is a very forgetful film, which is a shame, because they had so much potential to turn an amazing game into an equally amazing movie. For hardcore fans or regular fans of the games, stay away from it as you would feel that important characters or settings are completely disregarded. For casual moviegoers if you are into a bland generic action movie, with a few good scenes than this is highly recommended, otherwise stay away from it.

Story: Having never played the games or even knowing anything about the games I could really see this fresh as an action fan. I was expecting some form of supernatural side to the story but I was wrong. It is just a revenge thriller that has lots of action and very little dialogue. Most of the support characters have very little development and are each only used to pass on a small part of the story. In the end as a standalone action film it is switch the mind of acceptable. (6/10)Actor Review: Mark Wahlberg – Max Payne the determined cop who wants to truth who ends up getting caught up in something bigger than he could have ever imagined. Solid from Mark but the fans of the games will dislike what he does to the character. (7/10)maxActor Review: Mila Kunis – Mona from the more underworld side of the city she ends up teaming up with Max to take down the people responsible for the death of their loved ones. I think this was a bit too early in her career, she looks a little bit out of place, and maybe she could return for a sequel and use what she has learned. (4/10)milaActor Review: Beau Bridges – BB Hensley friend of Max who was also good friends with his wife, he tries to help but ultimately is the guy responsible for everything that has driven Max. Good but nothing special performance. (6/10)Actor Review: Ludicrous – Jim the internal affairs officer trying to figure out what the corruption in the Police could change how they look at crimes being committed in the town. Another guy who was in a role that is hard to believe too early in his acting career, he tries but it just doesn't quite some off for him. (5/10)ludicrusActor Review: Chris O'Donnell – Jason a former work colleague of Max's wife, knows more than he is letting on. Good supporting role that is good use for information only. (5/10)Actor Review: Donal Logue – Alex ex-partner who tries to reconnect after discovering a new clue about Max's wife's murder. Only a small role but the look of a desperate friend works well. (6/10)Actor Review: Amaury Nolasco – Jack a man that spends a lot of time watching what is going on with Max and Mona, but he does have a motive, but we never know what he final motive is. Good supporting role used well to create a target for Max. (6/10)amruayDirector Review: John Moore – Simple direction used to create plenty of over the top action for the more casual fan to enjoy. (6/10)Action: Plenty of gun fights throughout, I really don't know how many bullets they must have used. (9/10)Crime: Simple crime aspects used nothing truly original though. (6/10)Thriller: Tries to pull of some thrills but doesn't really succeed. (6/10)Special Effects: Good special effects for the hallucination scenes and gun battles. (9/10)Believability: No (0/10)Chances of Tears: No (0/10)Settings: Dark settings used to create a very dark world similar to the story they are in. (8/10)Suggestion: This is really one to try I can't say it is very original and like most video game films isn't the most popular compared to the games. (Try It)Best Part: Gun rights.Worst Part: poor support character development.Action Scene Of The Film: The office gun battleOscar Chances: NoChances of Sequel: Do to the poor box office it would be a no.Overall: Video Game Action, You Know What You Are Getting