Title: Blood Father
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Jean-Francois Richet
Starring: Mel Gibson, Erin Moriarty, Diego Luna
Runtime: 1 hr 28 mins

What It Is: When ex-con Link (Gibson) receives a call from his estranged daughter Lydia (Moriarty) he is sucked down a rabbit hole of terrible decisions she has previously made. Chief among these decisions was the murder of her cartel-connected boyfriend Jonah (Luna). Who has sent his lackeys from the grave to hunt down and kill Lydia for her betrayal? Link is determined to not allow anything to hinder his daughter’s young life any further and to make up for lost time.

What We Think: This is a far better film than I expected. Much like last years Turbo Kid or Bone Tomahawk this was a little indie film that certainly surprised. Mel Gibson seems to be having a good year. When you mix this with his directorial effort Hacksaw Ridge which could see some Oscar traction. I liked the action that gets put here. There’s some interesting acting as well. Gibson particularly is well cast and this seems to be a performance that is truer to life than one could assume. It’s by no means well crafted in a cinematic way, and the direction is pedestrian. Richet is mostly known for his work in French particularly starring Vincent Cassel.

Our Grade: C+, From something that I had no hope of being good came a film that was not bad at all. I’d recommend this film for people who are fans of action set pieces. Despite Gibson’s personal struggles he’s good enough here to warrant your attention here. Erin Moriarty is a little annoying with her portrayal and the faux lolita gig she’s attempting grated my nerves a little bit. Check out this film as it is on most home platforms now.