Max Payne is a cop in New York now working in an isolated division. Years previously his wife and baby son were murdered. Now Max spends his time tracking down the third man who escaped from the murder scene. As he delves further into the mystery, a government conspiracy begins to emerge involving a blue serum that causes those who drink to begin seeing what they consider to be angels or perhaps demons. Teaming up with Payne is Mona Sax, who is out to avenge her sister’s death.
Max Payne is based on the video game released in 2001. I never played the game so I can’t compare the story accuracy to that of the game but standing alone as a film, the story is lacking and jumps around. There are multiple subplots involving many characters that seem to pop into the story suddenly with little introduction and no further purpose after their little snippets of time have provided crucial plot information. Even the ones that do continue through the story at times feel disconnected. The only character that seems to have real purpose in the story is Max. But there is only so much that can be expected from story in a film based upon a video game.
In the midst of multiple story issues, Mark Wahlberg did a good job as Payne. The film was well acted on his part. Not to say that acting on other fronts was bad, just not notable.
The highlight of the film came in the visual splendor. Max Payne is for certain eye candy. The cinematography is astounding and at times the effect with lighting is amazing. The visual effects are pleasing to the eye and the use of what we have come to know as “bullet time,” basically slow motion at the speed of a bullet, is well utilized for aesthetic value but also is not overused. It is also one effect I know was in the game and carried over onto the big screen.
Max Payne was good for entertainment and for eye candy. Other than that it is a poor story, lacking a flow that typically carries the audience through and holds their attention. And if you decide to stay past the credits then you’ll find an added scene, setting up for an unnecessary sequel.
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