Confidential Informant

This is another one of those endless Lionsgate movies which cast one star (Mel Gibson is this case -- who seems to be making a lot of these movies lately) that are churned out, for what audience I dont know.

I cannot imagine that this was released in movie theatres. Maybe internationally and streamed here? Beats me.

There's also some B level actor who's been in a TV cop series who shows up in this. It's clear that the movie is Gibsen's money-for-nothing film. He's barely in it and obviously got paid solely for his star power. Kate Boswirth is there too but she has little to do except show up and pretend to cry.

In all, the film reaks of cheapness and poor directing.

Where do I even begin with "Confidential Informant"? Let's start with the positives. The only reason this movie earns a generous 5-star rating from me is the presence of Mel Gibson and Dominic Purcell. Their names on the poster gave me hope, but sadly, their screen time amounted to a mere blink-and-you'll-miss-it appearance. Kudos to them for making the most out of their limited minutes.

Now, let's dive into the cesspool of mediocrity that is this film. From the moment it began, I knew I was in for a wild ride, and by wild, I mean an uncontrollable descent into disappointment. The cast, excluding Gibson and Purcell, consists of C-list actors who seem to have found their true calling in television series rather than the big screen. I can't help but wonder why Gibson chose such an inferior project. Is he willingly treading on lower ground? Let's hope not.

The movie's amateurish production is painfully evident. It reeks of cheapness and lacks any semblance of visual appeal. It's as if the entire budget was spent on gathering the star-studded cast, leaving nothing for decent cinematography or production design. But the biggest letdown of all is the absence of thrill or suspense. Zero, zilch, nada. It's like watching paint dry, except paint drying might actually hold your attention longer.

I genuinely wish this movie could be erased from existence, and I sincerely hope that Mel Gibson finds himself in better roles in the future. Now, let's take a moment to appreciate the irony that this movie claims to be based on actual events. It's hard to believe when the execution is so subpar that even a fifth-grade drama class could come up with a more compelling narrative.

The blame for this catastrophe lies heavily on the shoulders of Michael Oblowitz, the experienced cinematographer turned producer and director. With an astonishing 36 prior directorial credits, one would expect him to have learned a thing or two about making an engaging film. Alas, he proved us wrong. His choices of color palettes are horrendous, the lighting is murky, and the camera angles feel outdated. And let's not even get started on the laughable action choreography and shoddy camera work. It's a wonder how he managed to stretch 88 minutes into what felt like an eternity.

The lack of cinematic creativity is astounding. The overbearing and unfitting score constantly begs for attention, as if trying to cover up the glaring flaws of the movie. But believe me, there's no hiding the fact that "Confidential Informant" is an absolute trainwreck.

To sum it up, this film is a terrible collaboration of a lackluster script, amateurish direction, and wasted potential. The talented cast deserves better, especially given the abysmal material they had to work with. Perhaps Oblowitz should stick to short films and music videos, leaving filmmaking to those who possess the necessary knack. As much as I admire Gibson, Purcell, and the stunning Kate Bosworth, I urge you to save yourself the agony and skip this cringe-worthy production. It simply isn't worth your time.

In conclusion, "Confidential Informant" is the kind of movie that makes you question your life choices. It's a perfect storm of bad choices, horrendous editing, and a complete lack of believability. I can't help but wonder if this film was intended as a joke, but unfortunately, the only punchline here is the fact that it actually got made. Save yourself the agony and steer clear of this colossal misfire.

... who should not concern themselves with this kind of subject matter and Who means really well and had good ideas about what is fair and equitable in life

• but he does not as yet have the wherewithal to really put it across
• so yes the entire exercise feels childish to an adult viewer of average or above average intelligence

Usually you can say about a film it is good or it is bad; here you cannot as it is both

The ideas are sound and interesting the premise excellent and a critique of a system which is by design unfair

• the way it is put across tho is very sketchy like a blueprint of an effort with the details skimped over. No meat on those bones; just the skeleton. Was the budget really basic? It certainly feels it..

Gibson here is more than a cameo but not hugely so ... he is his usual mix of charm integrity and anarchic humourist; he does his job .... the others are adequate but not sterling

The overall feel is that of a TV movie ... watchable but no great shakes.

Is this a joke? Seriously, is this really a joke? Because honestly it was so beyond bad. From the bad color correction, to the poorly written dialogue and acting to the constant music overlapping trying to cover up a horrible movie.

What happened to Mel Gibson? He seems to be doing nothing but b-movies now.

I don't think I bought a single character in this film. And the distracting "music video" editing made it even worse, as if it couldn't get any worse.

There was NOTHING believable about this film, not a single thing.

How did this get green lit? Nick Stahl as a cop? I mean, maybe a drug addict, but not a cop.

This is a BIG NO from me..

I feel bad for the stellar cast that sadly, even they couldn't save this poorly executed mess. I really liked the concept of the story - apparently it's based on actual events (as per closing credits), and in the hands of a better filmmaker, this story could've and should've shined.

But sadly, experienced cinematographer, and producer and director of this film, Michael Oblowitz - with an astonishing 36 prior directorial credits, still hasn't learned how to make a compelling, viewable and engaging film. As a cinematographer, he failed miserably with his choices of horrible color palettes, murky lighting, outdated slow-mo shots and bad camera angles, and he failed even more with his horrible directing, laughable action choreography, shoddy camera work, lackluster editing, and even worse cast direction. His slow pacing made the normally comfortable 88 min runtime feel never-ending.

All these flaws and lack of cinematic creativity, as well as the constant overbearing and unfitting score, hindered what could have been an impactful and suspense-filled narrative. A fifth grade drama class could come up with a better film. I think Oblowitz should find a new hobby, like basket-weaving, and leave filmmaking to those who have the knack. It's a very generous 5/10 all going to the amazing cast who tried their best with what they had to work with. Even if you're a fan like I am of Gibson, Purcell, and the always stunning Kate Bosworth, do yourself a favor and skip this cringe-worthy production, it's not worth your time.

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