Blood Father (2016)

Directed by: Jean-François Richet | 88 minutes | action, thriller | Actors: Mel Gibson, Erin Moriarty, Diego Luna, Michael Parks, William H. Macy, Miguel Sandoval, Dale Dickey, Richard Cabral, Daniel Moncada, Ryan Dorsey, Raoul Max Trujillo, Brandi Cochran, Katalina Parrish

Starting a review with a swear word is not done, but what the temptation is after seeing ‘Blood Father’. Not that this is a bad movie, quite the contrary, but what a shame it is that Gibson let himself go like that. The actor proves once again in this action film that he is a great actor who is himself his worst enemy. if Mad Mel more in line and left the bottle standing more often, we would have had more films like this. His reputation as a human being may be petty, but Gibson as an actor remains phenomenal. He, and only him, takes the mediocre “Blood Father” to the next level.

‘Blood Father’ revolves around John Link. This gruff man has a troubled past, but his heart is in the right place. This loner earns a living as a tattoo artist at a trailer park. This man’s frugal existence changes when his estranged daughter Lydia (Erin Moriarty) suddenly shows up on his doorstep. This teenager is being chased by a gang of criminals for allegedly stealing money. Dad decides to help her, and his rough background in the criminal world comes in handy.

John Link is a role written for Gibson. Not coincidentally, both men seek redemption. The fictional character with his daughter and the actor with Hollywood and his fans. Director Jean-François Richet deserves big marks for the striking casting, because Gibson is the only person who can play this flat role so convincingly and humanly. He IS his character. He has not lost his charisma and the experienced game draws you directly into the story.

‘Blood Father’ is sold as an action thriller, but is in fact a road movie annex melodrama. The bond between father and daughter is the main focus of this film and not so much the brutal shoot outs. Besides Gibson, the other actors are quite stark. Diego Luna has a great supporting role, but otherwise it is quite disappointing. Moriarty is not a great actress, but bravely makes it through. This is truly Gibson’s place in the spotlight.

With a running time of 88 minutes, this film can be called compact. This production never gets boring. Action movie fans should definitely give this movie a shot. The acting is fine and the action scenes are quite sparse, but okay. ‘Blood Father’ is a must for fans of Gibson. This man just needs to get back into acting!