Parker
Director: Taylor Hackford
Year: 2013
Rating: 7.0
In this film made
after the death of author Donald Westlake, they finally were able to use
the name of Westlake's protagonist in 24 novels. Parker. The character had
been in two previous films; Point Blank and Payback but under different names
per Westlake's wishes. While I was watching this one, it reminded me of Point
Blank though I didn't realize it too was based on a Parker novel. But a different
one. I haven't read any of Westlake's books which is a shame because I have
seen so many raves about them.
This like Point Blank is about betrayal
by fellow crooks and then revenge. Point Blank is a masterpiece and though
this is not, it is fairly enjoyable. Very linear with no attempt to add any
bells and whistles. Just lay it out. Jason Statham as Parker gives a terse
determined performance in which you are able to believe that he is capable
of doing what he does. Even getting out of a hospital bed after being shot
twice to escape the cops. He recuperates quickly. I get a splinter taken
out and am done for the day. What puts this film up a few marks for me is
the role that Jennifer Lopez plays. Not what you would expect. She is a down
on her luck real estate agent in Palm Beach who Parker uses to ferret out
where his four betrayers are staying as they plan a huge jewel robbery.
I kept waiting for them to fall into bed
for one of those hot steamy unneeded sex scenes and it never does. Thankfully.
It is all business after she figures out what he is doing and offers to help.
For a cut. That moment when he decides whether to kill her or not is like
a sharp knife ready to cut. She knows it too but threw the dice. Directed
by Taylor Hackford with Michael Chiklis and Wendell Pierce among the gang,
Nick Nolte as Parker's mentor and Patti LuPone as Lopez's mother.
