This is one of those films that has been plagued with problems. Originally slated for release last May, it was shelved because of disputes between writer-director Brian Helgeland (screenwriter of LA Confidential) and star Mel Gibson. That's a shame because, surprisingly, Payback is a lot of fun and very unpredictable.

Gibson plays a bad guy named Porter, a thief who finds himself double-crossed. In an attempt to get back money that is rightfully his, he soon finds himself pursued by a colorful gang of thugs. Although Gibson plays against type, he still comes across as a likable because everyone else in the film is more evil than he is.

What really keeps the film moving is Helgeland's great dialogue and direction; although, it should be noted that someone else, who went uncredited, directed part of the movie. Still, Helgeland was the driving force--keeping the film lively and surprising with great plot twists. Be warned, however, Payback is fairly dark, extremely violent and contains a huge body count.

Hopefully there are no hard feelings between Gibson and Helgeland because they make a great team. Aside from a few minor plot holes and a rather abrupt ending, Payback is immensely entertaining.