Blood Father

Blood Father. John Link (Mel Gibson) is a washed up ex Con, ex bikie gang member, and recovering addict. He runs a dingy tattoo business out of his trailer in the desert and spends his days with a bunch of recovering outlaws including his sponsor and best friend, Kirby (William H. Macy). His teenage daughter Lydia has been missing for 2 years. Out of the blue she calls; she is in dire straits and needs help and money. Father and daughter are suddenly re-united in this fast action B movie to fight a band of evil drug dealers who are out to kill the 17 year old. They have to stay more than one step ahead to stay alive.

This is a fast movie, and at 87 minutes there is only room for thriller and no filler. Gibson has aged well, no embarrassing Botox or Rourke style Hollywood facelift here. This guy’s face shows a life full of lines and wrinkles so deep he could have walked in John Links shoes (and probably does draw parallels in some parts of his turbulent, crazy life). The action scenes ramp up as the movie goes with a violent ending, and who doesn’t want to see old Mel shooting down bad guys from the seat of his Harley Davidson.  That one scene in particular felt ‘Arnie-esque’ and was great fun to watch.

Edgy, violent and with amazing cinematography, Blood Father was a real suprise to me, and backs up the unexpected positive reviews. I went in with preconceived ideas and low expectations which were shattered after the first 15mins. Erin Moriarty plays the role of petulant, teenage drug addict Lydia who learns fast and grows up faster in an hour and half well. Erin also pays more than just a passing resemblance to Anna Paquin which will do her future movie career plenty of favours. William H Macy is always rock solid and does well here with a relatively small supporting part.

Mad Mel is back and on better form than he has been for many years. The scenes where Link REALLY loses his shit gives a glimpse to the Mel of old as Martin Riggs in Lethal Weapon, and jarringly, his real life, monumental public meltdowns. If you like your action rough, ready, minus the pretty boys and with Harley’s, this movie should be on your to watch list.

4 stars from me. Solid action movie. Like and share with any action movie fans you know!

 

The Movie Blurb

Release date:
September 1, 2016

Synopsis:
An ex-con reunites with his estranged wayward 16-year old daughter to protect her from drug dealers who are trying to kill her.

Starring:
Erin Moriarty, Mel Gibson, William H. Macy

Director:
Jean-Francois Richet