MOVIE: Max Payne

It doesn't help knowing that Max Payne is based on a computer game. Or that the game is actually pretty impressive and has a semi-cult following. Max Payne, the movie, is a pale, flimsy imitation of the much-beloved game.

In the movie, Max Payne (Mark Wahlberg) is a DEA investigating the loss of his wife and child. He eventually teams up with an assassin (Mila Kunis) who is out to redeem her own sister's murder. And (imagine this) everything co-mingles until the true tale of angels and devils unfolds.

I'm of two minds on Max Payne. One side of me really enjoyed the effects and noir overtones of the film. It some honestly sublime scenes and several unique cinematic elements. I was especially fond of the swirling snow and burning embers.The other side of me thought the writing was pretty bad in most places. It dragged the plot. It stiffled the dialog. Pretty second class writing. Bordering on offensive. And worst of all were the bland, predictable, overly prolonged and woefully unbelievable fight scenes. In a movie based on a computer game, the fight scenes should have carried more weight. Unfortunately they were some of the weaker parts of the film.

Few couples would likely find it to be an enjoyable date movie. Not safe for kids. Dedatable qualities for a rental. Worth waiting until it comes out for free on SpikeTV next year.