Review: BLOOD FATHER
By: Christy Oldham / 8. 23. 2016
Mel Gibson gives one of his best performances to date in this action thriller film, set against a beautiful breathtaking desert canvas. Directed by Jean-François Richet and based on the novel by Peter Craig, Gibson plays an ex con who is on probation after spending time in prison, working on his sobriety and making a living as a tattoo artist from his trailer park home. His estranged daughter, played by Erin Moriarty, is on the run from the drug cartel and she reaches out to him for help. Soon, his brief peaceful life is turned upside down. His alcohol sponsor, played by William H. Macy, lives only a couple of trailer doors down and finds himself caught up in the whirlwind of drug cartel drama also. Macy brings that softer touch to the hard edged character of Gibson’s, which balances the film and I really enjoyed the one line “been there done that” deadpan zingers from Gibson’s character. Director Richet brings his European finesse to this very cinematic film with epic shots that makes one feel part of the gritty desert.
BLOOD FATHER also stars Diego Luna and Michael Parks. Parks was outstanding as a double-crossing neo-Nazi memorabilia collecting ex-Vietnam veteran while character actress Dale Dickey was brilliant as usual for only having limited screen time. This film is intimate while also action oriented and is not to be missed! BLOOD FATHER was released by Lionsgate Premiere in theaters August 12, 2016 as is a Why Not Productions and Wild Bunch film.
BLOOD FATHER is now Playing in Select Theaters. Opens in New York and On Demand August 26, 2016.
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