The Painter

Recently, I've observed a trend of many movies receiving unjustly low ratings. It's surprising to see this film rated below 4 stars. In my opinion, a movie should only get 1 or 2 stars if it's a major letdown, which certainly isn't the case here. This movie's storyline may have been explored by various producers before, but it stands out due to its engaging action and a unique take. The casting and action sequences are particularly commendable. There are plenty of movies out there that might deserve lower ratings, but this one clearly surpasses the 5-star mark for action enthusiasts. The first 15 minutes consist of a flashback, but once you get past that, the narrative really pulls you in. Admittedly, there are moments when the plot feels predictable, but it still keeps you hooked, eager to see how it unfolds. Yes other than lead characters other casting is flat.

I am not even finished watching the movie and had to write a review (which is not common at all for me). I wasn't expecting a great movie so am fine with the predictable plot and not great fight scenes. I love to watch Hallmark movies so am good with predictability! The one reason I may not finish watching it is because of the horrible acting by Marie Avgeropoulos. I can't imagine that anyone could do a worse job than her. Well maybe the other lady agent... Maria A. Completely ruins the movie. So, know that it is a fine movie - nothing special but okay except you will want to rip your eyes out when she is on screen!

Aside from this being nothing new or original, it's a poorly written and directed effort with corny dialogue and laughable action scenes.

In the early stages, we are meant to believe that a criminal of some importance has a security team made entirely of imbeciles that can't fight. They're so bad in fact, that a single man who moves slowly can defeat them all. Perhaps part of the reason for this is that, when one of the bodyguards is fighting with the hero, all the others become paralysed and only regain the ability to move when it's their turn to throw a punch 3 yards from his head. Throw in the odd embarrassingly bad commando roll that wouldn't look out of place in a 4 year olds gymnastics class and there you have it.

But that isn't all this cinematic masterpiece has to offer. No, it also has highly trained operators armed with assault rifles that couldn't hit a barn from 5 yards away. If those are the people that are meant to keep us safe, then we are doomed as a child with a catapult would make a more effective fighting force.

Finally, we come to the twist and the last bit of dialogue, which is delivered with all the emotional intensity of someone reading their gas bill out loud.

Consider this my favour to you - I have watched it so that you don't have to.

I think this might be the first time I could be bothered to write a review but...did it pass the time and I kind of followed what was happening? Yes. Was it enjoyable? No. This is what I imagine AI would spit out, direct and costume design (the set design and even cinematography were not bad tbf). There was nothing original in this film plot, but it wasn't satire or parody or even ironic, and it was INCREDIBLY moronic (at one point a computer virus in a flash drive goes up....in flames....). It was awful, but not so disruptively bad for the evening which I gave away to other tasks that I turned it off (there are your 2 stars), but somehow annoying and predictable enough to also be distracting -- and to make me write this review. Don't watch it. It's not bewildering, it's just bad.

"The Painter's" resembles a TV show canceled after its pilot, as it struggles with a weak plot and underdeveloped characters. Just as such shows may struggle to resonate with viewers, the film leans heavily on the prowess of its three main actors (father,daughter,grandfather) to compensate for narrative shortcomings. Unfortunately, even their stellar performances can't fully redeem the lack of substance in the storyline. The film, like an unsuccessful pilot, leaves audiences yearning for a more engaging and well-rounded cinematic experience."

Verdict: "The Painter's" falls short, earning a less-than-enthusiastic assessment. Its weak storyline and underdeveloped characters make it less appealing than even a depressing wall staring competition, leaving viewers with a lackluster cinematic experience.