Today’s quick review: Blood Father. John Link (Mel Gibson), an ex-convict and recovering alcoholic, has been trying to pick up the pieces of his life with the help of Kirby (William H. Macy), his sponsor and closest friend. But his quiet lifestyle is thrown into chaos when his runaway daughter Lydia (Erin Moriarty) returns home with a group of cartel killers hot on her heels. Now John must use the skills he thought he put behind him to keep her safe.
Blood Father is a crime thriller about a reformed criminal trying to protect his daughter. Blood Father takes a broken family and puts them through the wringer as Lydia’s irresponsible decisions come back to bite her. The movie has a few bursts of well-placed action, but its chief appeal is seeing John take control of a dire situation. Blood Father does quite a bit with the tools at its disposal, but it’s outclassed by other films with similar premises.
Blood Father has a modest scope, but it handles itself well. The plot revolves around John, Lydia, and the enemies she made by shooting her abusive boyfriend Jonah (Diego Luna). The running themes of overcoming addiction and moving past one’s mistakes give the movie some nice material to work with. And although the relationship between John and Lydia is not as moving as it could have been, John is willing to do whatever it takes to protect her.
All that Blood Father is really missing is the extra push it needs to stand out. What action there is fits the story, and it’s satisfying to see John finally cut loose. But the movie never commits to it, leaving it a step behind the thrillers where action is the main focus. The same goes for its story. Blood Father has an interesting setup and a few good character moments, but it’s missing the fine touch needed to capture the viewer’s emotions.
As such, Blood Father will be a solid pick for those used to budget crime movies and on the thin side for anyone else. Those looking for something quick and sober, with some fine character work, a capable protagonist, and a smattering of action, should look no farther. Those looking for something more substantial, with an expert emotional arc, big stunts, or an elaborate story, will want to steer clear.
For a much gorier action movie with a similar premise, try Rambo: Last Blood. For a tense thriller about a war with a drug cartel, try Sicario. For a lighter crime movie starring Mel Gibson, try Get the Gringo. For a budget action movie that uses a similar premise to less effect, try The Prince. For a deeper dive into drug addiction, try Requiem for a Dream.
6.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for a good mix of story and tension.