Payback

R

Released Feb 5, 1999

1h 41m

Action

Mystery & Thriller

TRAILER

for Payback: Trailer 1

List

56%

78 Reviews

Tomatometer

69%

50,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Porter (Mel Gibson) is a thief betrayed by both his wife, Lynn (Deborah Kara Unger), and his partner, Val (Gregg Henry), when he is shot in the back after a heist. Slowly, Porter recovers from his wounds and begins a search for Val, intent on recovering his share of the money they stole together. With the aid of prostitute Rosie (Maria Bello), Porter captures Val but still cannot find his cash. For this, Porter will have to challenge an imposing crime syndicate called the Outfit.

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Critics Consensus

Sadistic violence and rote humor saddle a predictable action premise.

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Ronald H

Fast moving and watchable story-wise, but in spite of the opening screen blurb about "principle," this is a movie without morals. The hyper violence and the endless procession of senseless deaths---presented facetiously as if we're supposed to be chuckling--really gets old.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

04/23/24

Full Review

Tom D

Classic revenge movie. Plot is clever, droll, and has the right amount of action. We'll acted and directed

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/11/24

Full Review

Jelisije J

A simple plot with great characters leads to one of the better revenge comedy films of the past decades.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/04/24

Full Review

Peabarter _

This is a great under the radar movie. Mel Gibson does a terrific job as the guy you love to hate. I've watched this movie several times, and I never get bored of it. I liked how they added Mel in the background with the narration of the story.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/22/23

Full Review

Narciso R

Insanely entertaining, great cast. NRJ.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/17/23

Full Review

Bill M

The movie has it all. Great plot, witty. Mel Gibson at his best.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/15/23

Full Review

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Brian Helgeland

Director

Mel Gibson

Porter

Gregg Henry

Val Resnick

Maria Bello

Rosie

Deborah Kara Unger

Mrs. Lynn Porter

David Paymer

Arthur Stegman

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Payback: Trailer 1

2:20

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AV Club

Rated: B-

Apr 27, 2012

Full Review

Linda Barnard

Toronto Star

Rated: 2.5/4

Mar 16, 2012

Full Review

Rick Groen

Globe and Mail

Rated: 3/4

Mar 16, 2012

Full Review

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...a somewhat erratic yet predominantly engrossing endeavor...

Rated: 3.5/4

Mar 13, 2024

Full Review

Rob Gonsalves

Rob's Movie Vault

Aside from Gibson, "Payback" is a wonderfully wretched hive of scum and villainy.

Rated: B

Sep 2, 2022

Full Review

Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Unrelentingly paints a picture of murder, mayhem, and retribution that is both bold and entertaining.

Rated: 8/10

Sep 24, 2020

Full Review

Read all reviews

Synopsis

Porter (Mel Gibson) is a thief betrayed by both his wife, Lynn (Deborah Kara Unger), and his partner, Val (Gregg Henry), when he is shot in the back after a heist. Slowly, Porter recovers from his wounds and begins a search for Val, intent on recovering his share of the money they stole together. With the aid of prostitute Rosie (Maria Bello), Porter captures Val but still cannot find his cash. For this, Porter will have to challenge an imposing crime syndicate called the Outfit.

Director: Brian Helgeland
Producer: Stephen McEveety
Screenwriter: Donald E. Westlake, Brian Helgeland, Terry Hayes
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Icon Entertainment International
Rating: R
Genre: Action, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 5, 1999, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $81.5M
Runtime: 1h 41m
Sound Mix: SDDS, Dolby Digital, DTS, Surround

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