'Max Payne' doesn’t deliver

Director: John Moore

Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Beau Bridges, Mila Kunis, Chris O’Donnell

Cert: 15

Enough with films ‘inspired’ by video games if they’re going to be as awful as this violent and poorly directed one.

One wonders if the – pardon the obvious cynicism – screenwriters ever actually played the game, if Irish director Moore ever saw it being played or if Wahlberg ever considered taking a holiday until something worthwhile came along?

Like all such games this one is based on revenge – a couple of dudes with their own agendas set out to blow away as many crooks and hoods as they can, chased throughout by the cops, an evil corporation and the mob (you’ll quickly be rooting for one or all of the latter to succeed) – which leaves no room whatsoever for any sort of a narrative or watchable plotline … just lots of blood and gore.

Perhaps this is what video gamers desire, but film fans do expect something more for their money … Max doesn’t deliver.

Star Rating: 1/5