Blood Father

The dialogue goes like a Gatling gun and the action is its match.

Blood Father boasts enough momentum and lively banter to compensate for any generic leanings. Robert Gantz' scorched cinematography keeps the heat on, even during quieter moments.

Some of the dialogue sounds a little written, though Gibson's tendency to bellow his lines like a wounded bull elephant compensates and carries us along with the story.

Gibson is only 60 years old, a few years younger than Liam Neeson, and so could conceivably continue appearing in action movies like this for years to come. He clearly has the knack for it.

There's an unexpectedly engaging performance from Gibson and terrific supporting turns from William H Macy as his neighbour and AA sponsor, and from Erin Moriarty as his wayward daughter.

In the grizzled spectacle Gibson willingly makes of himself, it has a B-movie equivalent of that A-plus Mickey Rourke comeback, delivered with just enough clout to count as a step in the right direction.

Mel Gibson might not be able to leap through dozens of stunt sequences anymore, but the man has lost none of his psychological vigor or resolve. His brand of crazy still works in this throwback actioner.

Finds a way to channel Gibson's fury, rounding up a satisfactory and effective film, and without a doubt, the redemption he needed. [Full review in Spanish]

Gibson commands the screen and elevates the proceedings, proving along the way that hes still a movie star.

Bruce Willis, John Travolta, et al. - or their agents - could definitely take a leaf out of this film's book when it comes to choosing their next projects