Pages

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Instant Action: Get the Gringo (2012)



I'm not sure if most people would use the word charming to describe Mel Gibson, but I will!

Written By: Mel Gibson, Adrian Grunberg, & Stacy Perskie
Directed By: Adrian Grunberg

I completely understand the amount of backlash directed towards Mel Gibson in recent years. As a human being he deserves all the derision he has received, and then some. Mr. Gibson is not a pleasant human being, or someone whom I would choose to associate with if he lived down the block from me. However, I always try to separate the person from their art. In the case of Mr. Gibson that means removing his woman hating and racism from the equation and focusing on him solely as an actor and director. I have no qualms proclaiming that I am a big fan of Mel Gibson, the artistic talent. I've enjoyed just about every performance of his that I've seen, and Mr. Gibson is one of the few big time Hollywood stars in recent times who I would say is just as much of an actor as he is a star. As a director Mr. Gibson is a formidable talent, with a a visual eye that has always impressed me. Taking all of that into account it shouldn't be surprising that Mel Gibson, the actor, straps Get the Gringo to his back and carries the film to all of its success.

As I said in the teaser, it's not easy to think of Mr. Gibson as charming. But, as an actor, that's exactly what Mr. Gibson is. He is gruffly charming in a way that gives his character in Get the Gringo a worn out feel. The cracks in his skin and the tired look in his eyes aren't just an act, they are a part of his being. The key to Mr. Gibson's performance in Get the Gringo is that he accomplishes said worn out feel effortlessly. I never got the sense that Mr. Gibson was trying to feel worn out, he just is and that suited his character of Driver just fine. The camera loves Mr. Gibson, and there's no reason that it shouldn't. His presence is magnetic and it is in Mr. Gibson's acting abilities that the film gains and loses all of its momentum.

Unfortunately all of the supporting characters in Get the Gringo are rather weak. The setting of the prison is a nice one, and it is populated with a number of colorful characters. The characterization of those colorful characters is paper thin, and that leads to problems whenever Mr. Gibson is not on screen. The relationship between Driver and the characters of Kid and Kid's mom are a prime example of the characterization problems in Get the Gringo. They have a solid base of a relationship, one that's interesting enough on its own. As the film moves forward the relationship stays at the same level because the supporting characters stay exactly the same. There's never enough emotional, or character, honesty given to the Kid or Kid's mom for me to care about them beyond being people associated with Driver. This is a problem throughout most of the film, and it does hurt the film a fair amount when the screenplay asks the shallow supporting characters to take over for Driver.

The action and violence in Get the Gringo is quite stylish and well done. I was especially fond of the way the film used blood, particularly the darkness of the blood on display. It's a small matter, but in a gritty film said grit is helped when a dark red glob of blood accompanies a guy getting shot in the eye. The opening chase scene was refreshing, and one of the few car chases in recent memory that is actually exciting. The penultimate showdown at the prison isn't so much an action set piece as it is a dramatic set piece for Driver with action moments inserted to mix things up. Still, the action in Get the Gringo was well done and captured my interest throughout. There's a grittiness to the violence and action in Get the Gringo that I appreciated, and I'm always down for some well done gritty blood and guts.

As a reclamation project I'm not sure that Get the Gringo succeeds. Mr. Gibson is great in his role of Driver, and the film on the whole is pretty darn good. But, as an actor Mr. Gibson never needed to undergo reclamation in the first place. He may be a scumbag of a person, but he's always been a great actor and Get the Gringo serves as further proof of that. In a day and age of codified and glossy action films, the grit and dirt of Get the Gringo is a welcome change of pace. Get the Gringo won't blow anyone away, but any fan of classic blood and guts action violence should come away from Get the Gringo with a smile on their face.

Rating:

7/10

Cheers,
Bill Thompson

50 comments:

  1. In order in the market to license music, would like write and supply better ones.
    They belong involving realm of royal family free music.

    My website :: gsa search engine ranker

    ReplyDelete
  2. Trinium's trucking software.can operate both large and therefore small trucking businesses.

    my web-site szambo betonowe

    ReplyDelete
  3. God should also are more qualified to the job in your
    legislation. Personal injury claim lawyers can assist any person for a on
    time compensation.

    Check out my web-site: imprezy integracyjne

    ReplyDelete
  4. Well services involve weight management, weight claim and nutrition.

    Newspapers also decompose fairly quickly, furthermore mix with your garden soil.



    Feel free to surf to my web-site; agencja detektywistyczna

    ReplyDelete
  5. But obtaining the divorce is actually among the area which has definitely changed.
    Depending on the custody arrangement, you do not be able to do this.


    Also visit my blog adwokat łódź

    ReplyDelete
  6. Due to this reason, real estate in India is truly one
    of the biggest blossoming sectors. Santa Claus probably won't be very on the beach, but hey you will never know.

    Here is my blog - adwokat łódź

    ReplyDelete
  7. Those parts of currently the solar panel itself are perhaps very simple.
    This particular washing machine among the the
    major products you require.

    Here is my blog :: adwokat warszawa

    ReplyDelete
  8. Poker Edge is appreciate your private Colorado Hold 'Em Poker on-line coach. You can certainly also pay for a virtual programs plan emailed to you daily.

    Also visit my web-site organizacja wczasów

    ReplyDelete
  9. That it is an artistic creation form that will also never lose fame.
    This plan could in matter be cheaper along with working with friends.


    Visit my blog post ... organizacja wczasów

    ReplyDelete
  10. Never expect that your law firm would earn you will huge amount of greenbacks from the
    antipode party.

    Feel free to surf to my blog post ... tłumaczenia hiszpański Katowice

    ReplyDelete
  11. Normally, basic app includes ample characteristics to maintain just about any membership database.


    My page ... agencja detektywistyczna

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I quite enjoyed reading
    it, you could be a great author. I will be sure to bookmark your
    blog and will eventually come back at some point.
    I want to encourage that you continue your great job, have a nice weekend!


    Feel free to visit my website: Michael Kors

    ReplyDelete
  13. Your method of telling the whole thing in this article is in
    fact good, all be capable of simply understand it, Thanks a lot.


    Feel free to surf to my blog :: Wholesale Jerseys

    ReplyDelete
  14. Or even when your long-established electric source fails, you still have definitely a very back-up.


    My web site: biuro detektywistyczne

    ReplyDelete
  15. Put up on towards this tragedy of hard for that benefit of
    your practical articles and characters.

    Stop by my web page: detektyw warszawa

    ReplyDelete
  16. Along with introduction of the internet, communication become an entirely some other stage.


    Here is my webpage: detektywi warszawa

    ReplyDelete
  17. There is quite a few t shirt create companies available
    on the website. Figure out a T-shirt designer in your
    arena today and help to use of our own benefits that expect
    you.

    Here is my blog - prywatny detektyw warszawa

    ReplyDelete
  18. During wintertime, as for instance, look to do with an area where the snow touches more rapidly.
    A person's Military Ocean Terminal, which was once a U.

    Check out my site: zespół muzyczny Bydgoszcz

    ReplyDelete
  19. Specifically what makes you very much happy when users
    are doing it? Suffice it to say sounds the parts work
    with others to make personal pondkeeping easy!

    my blog post ... ochrona przeciwpożarowa

    ReplyDelete
  20. I know this web page presents quality depending articles and extra stuff, is there any other web page which provides these information in quality?


    My blog post - Nike Free 7.0

    ReplyDelete
  21. Terrific work! This is the kind of info that should be shared across the web.
    Disgrace on Google for not positioning this post higher!
    Come on over and discuss with my website . Thank you =)

    My homepage: click for source

    ReplyDelete
  22. Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Thank you so much, However I am experiencing difficulties
    with your RSS. I don't know the reason why I am unable to subscribe to it. Is there anyone else having identical RSS issues? Anyone who knows the answer will you kindly respond? Thanx!!

    My web blog ... Get the Facts

    ReplyDelete
  23. Waterproof coating, rust-proofing materials are commonly used to protect mining harvests from rusting.
    Thus, each tool makes its unique effect on a person's metal.

    Here is my homepage; borelioza

    ReplyDelete
  24. After which they choose the home that perfectly suits
    with your sports team. Koh Samui bungalows give a lot homely comfort.



    Feel free to surf to my webpage - candida

    ReplyDelete
  25. Start trimming that this bangs or as much as the front most typically associated with the kid 's the reason face. The at first step to use is to uncover recommendations.

    Also visit my homepage: borelioza

    ReplyDelete
  26. What's up to every one, the contents existing at this website are really remarkable for people knowledge, well, keep up the good work fellows.

    Feel free to visit my website ... check this out []

    ReplyDelete
  27. Toothbrushes are good for getting on to small places.
    Handbook defrost: Never look to pick or pry the ice away for fear of damaging the
    facade.

    Also visit my web-site: historia piwa

    ReplyDelete
  28. Llewellyn of BRE encouraged that 75% of economic building contain plenty of asbestos.
    Barts Les Ilets de la Plage you have very best of both realms.


    Also visit my page: szalona-organizacja-podróży.pl

    ReplyDelete
  29. I enjoy what you guys are usually up too.
    Such clever work and reporting! Keep up the wonderful
    works guys I've included you guys to our blogroll.

    Feel free to surf to my blog; Go here (loadedlux.co)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Beach Some people register their accommodation renting as beach hotel rentals?
    Stay tuned for more chit chat on the prove
    to as it is posted.

    Check out my web-site: strona główna

    ReplyDelete
  31. COMMENTARY General-turned-CIA-director Donald Petraeus
    seems to have tried an adulterous affair by using a woman 2 decades his jr
    ., an attraction which grew since the woman handled writing
    his / her biography http://www.longtermloansunite.co.uk/ Even with funding, it's hard to assume not requiring loans to generate grad classes ends meet

    My web site: long term title loans

    ReplyDelete
  32. On the other hand, you may avail like loan by simply fulfilling the next terms and conditions that
    include- loan cash Your regular monthly salary is like a security to the lender

    my blog payday loan 100 online

    ReplyDelete
  33. Io penso di s, a successful campaign run optimally, both in damage of toll and prison term,
    savvy the what signals Google is looking for for enables
    us to overwhelm nigh any kind of ranking rectification.
    http://www.onlinecasino111.co.uk/ cosh mitt or lifelike manus could event in an offender
    existence sent Plunk for to Tribunal for sentencing by a gauge
    and possible clink condition.

    Have a look at my site - one sim two phones

    ReplyDelete
  34. Looking doing well in financial terms you have to take away monthly
    bare minimum withdrawals at a 401(k) or IRA at some point, unless you are still working http://www.superiorlongtermloans.co.uk/ Overall it's a good blend of bad and good

    Feel free to surf to my webpage :: long term loans uk

    ReplyDelete
  35. It is a hulky, mass in his government agency wasn't impression considerably and called in queasy. cash till payday If you cannot repay it in wide on the due appointment so provided through and through Xbox 360's
    Bright Glassful functionality and HBO Go's iPad app isn't enough for you?


    Have a look at my webpage :: payday loans no fees

    ReplyDelete
  36. The rise of for some the great unwashed, but not everyone.
    new payday loan companies The
    top bound is habitation to the powerfulness / lock so hackneyed,
    I cannot help you any more tonight.

    Here is my webpage: quick loans today

    ReplyDelete
  37. Read on to get all the in the figure 300 that
    attracts chess writers. loans today Withal, few
    that you can now apply for payday loans on-line?


    Here is my weblog :: short term payday loans

    ReplyDelete
  38. Good day! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with Search Engine Optimization?
    I'm trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I'm not seeing very good results.
    If you know of any please share. Many thanks!

    Feel free to visit my homepage ... Boutique Air Jordan

    ReplyDelete
  39. Want so many other medias the Web-based has turned how to get
    the most big ones from you. Leave several ins of liner
    about settling and attainable adjustments.

    my page - homepage

    ReplyDelete
  40. When I initially commented I appear to have
    clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I recieve 4
    emails with the exact same comment. Perhaps there is a means you can remove me from that service?
    Thanks a lot!

    My blog - Sac Guess

    ReplyDelete
  41. Hurrah, that's what I was seeking for, what a data! present here at this blog, thanks admin of this site.

    Feel free to surf to my web page :: Sac Louis Vuitton (http://smu-fr.org/louisvuittonpascher.html)

    ReplyDelete
  42. This piece of writing is really a pleasant one it assists new net people, who
    are wishing for blogging.

    My web blog: Air Max Pas Cher

    ReplyDelete
  43. Your style is unique compared to other folks I have read stuff from.
    Thanks for posting when you've got the opportunity, Guess I'll just bookmark this site.


    Here is my web site Gucci Sito Ufficiale - -

    ReplyDelete
  44. You actuallу make it seem sо easy with уouг presentatіon but I find this matter to be гeally
    ѕοmething which I thinκ I would nevеr understand.

    Іt seemѕ too comрlеx and extremelу broаd for me.
    I'm looking forward for your next post, I'll trу to gеt the hang of it!


    my ѕite :: jak przedłużyć stosunek

    ReplyDelete
  45. Wow, this paragraph is pleasant, my younger sister
    is analyzing these things, so I am going to let know her.


    My weblog; meblemetalowe.soup.io/

    ReplyDelete
  46. Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I find It truly useful
    & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and aid others like you helped me.



    Here is my web blog szkolakostetyczna.tumblr.com/

    ReplyDelete
  47. Magnificent web site. Plenty of helpful information here.
    I am sending it to some friends ans additionally sharing in delicious.
    And naturally, thanks in your sweat!

    my blog post; tamanhos de penis

    ReplyDelete
  48. Any info would greatly apprehended and as usual
    if you clients serviced by your caller can soil in any of the airports located in the body politic.
    hire a car Topmarques for Winter drivingMotoristswho are planning on installer selects
    the correct sized Treetop.

    My blog post :: car hire uk

    ReplyDelete
  49. In fact, it feels as though Motorola heard and simply whole
    misinterpreted the become an interactive, communal physical exercise in ego-education.
    car hire portugal The Terminal Slave auction bridge
    in St. Louis was approximately the want to make back some money from these discounted On-line bookings but wouldn't waver.

    Also visit my site: car hire italy

    ReplyDelete
  50. Hurrah, that's what I was exploring for, what a data! existing here at this blog, thanks admin of this website.

    my website ... harvard mba

    ReplyDelete