Rated PG-13 for violence including intense shooting sequences, drug content, some sexuality and brief strong language.
Directed by John Moore (The Omen, Flight of the Phoenix, Behind Enemy Lines)
Starring Mark Wahlberg, Chris O'Donnell, Beau Bridges, Ludacris, Mila Kunis, Donal Logue, Amaury Nolasco
Although the story and action sequences are less than original, Max Payne is pretty entertaining.
Based on the intense video game, “Max Payne” tells the story of a maverick cop determined to track down those responsible for the brutal murder of his beloved wife and child. Hell-bent on revenge, his investigation takes him on a journey into a dark underworld. As the mystery deepens, Max (Mark Wahlberg) is forced to battle enemies beyond the natural world and face an unthinkable betrayal.
Todd’s Word: O.K., I don’t know when it officially happened, but I am a fan of the Wahlbergs (yes, both Mark and Donnie). I mean seriously, one was Marky Mark of the Funky Bunch and the other was a New Kid on the Block. So although it’s not easy, I am willing to admit that he is really cool in this film.
Jonathan’s Word: Okay… I’m neither a fan of New Kids’ on the Block or the Funky Bunch… but the Wahlbergs do rock! I loved Donny in everything from his creepy scene in The Sixth Sense, to his cop role in his TV series Boomtown. Mark is always good. Invincible, The Shooter… name it!
Todd’s Word: Besides Walberg, the film boasts an impressive cast with names like Beau Bridges, Chris O'Donnell, rapper Ludacris and singer Nelly Furtado, plus a whole group of actors from some of the hottest TV shows (Heroes, The Wire, Life and Prison Break).
Jonathan’s Word: I’m not a fan of Ludacris or Nelly F. but love the dude from Prison Break. He’s got a big career ahead of him. (Ludacris probably does too. His music just bugs me, big time.)
Todd’s Word: Some of the more impressive aspects of the movie were the scenery. We see that darker side of New York… the back alleys, deserted subway platforms and run down buildings. All of which are accented by the snow and rain that are in almost every scene.
Jonathan’s Word: Yeah. The Batman films are as cheery as the Telly Tubbies show compared to the dark feel of Max Payne.
Todd’s Word: It’s not just the scenery, the story is pretty dark as well. In one scene, a snitch warns Max, “You're chasing ghosts, Max.” Actually his enemies are much scarier. Max uncovers a new drug that is highly addictive and causes severe hallucinations including demonic creatures.
Jonathan’s Word: That was a pretty creative aspect to this film. It had the comic book feel, and pulled off the “demonic creatures” in a way where drugs became the bad guy (without giving too much away).
Todd’s Word: But without a doubt it’s the action scenes in Max Payne that are the best part of the film.
Jonathan’s Word: I agree. Unfortunately, both of the best scenes are in the preview. Surprisingly, I still was pretty impressed when I saw them in the context of the film.
Todd’s Word: In fact the stunning shootouts and other action scenes allowed me to overlook most of the flaws of the movie. Unfortunately, the film’s biggest flaw is the disappointing redemptive ending. By the time Mona pleads with Max, “You have to finish this,” I was actually checking my watch, hoping the ending was coming soon.
Jonathan’s Word: You nailed it. The action scenes are cool, but not enough to give it a score higher than a “Rental.”
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Kids should skip this one. There are some sexually suggestive scenes where a woman removes her dress and from the rear we see her walk away. This woman (Olga Kurylenko) is apparently making a career of it. She played the proverbial “tramp” in Hitman as well, and it seems that she will be reprising it in the new Bond film too.
Side Note:
As said above, we don’t recommend your kids see this film. But on the occasion that they actually have already seen it, you may want to dialogue about the film with them. These questions below may be a help to you.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
