Max Payne: The Movie

I had some doubts when I first heard of this my freshmen year of college (2005). But, details were not yet released on imdb.com, so I didn't have any basis for my disapproval of this movie.

Now in my senior year, I see a commercial on the television and hear the name Max Payne. Immediately, my attention diverted to this. At first, I was skeptical seeing Mark Walhberg as Payne but from the action sequences following, I knew that he was an excellent choice. Here's the official trailer for the movie:



Upon closer look, you can see LUDA (Ludacris) as one of the other major roles. He's listed as playing Jim Bravura. This was surprising but workable. Another celebrity credited in the movie is Nelly Furtado (Premiscious Girl feat. Timbaland). She's listed as playing Christa Balder, though I'm not too familiar with her character in the story (it's been a long time since I've played the game). Finally, there's Mila Kunis, who's best known from That 70's Show and being the voice actor for Meg on Family Guy. I wonder how she'll do as Mona Sax but I have my fingers crossed that she'll do the part justice.

Overall, I think this movie might actually do the video game to movie genre GOOD. Most movies have either taken a completely different direction from the games, or directly adapt from the games but not in a watchable way. As a (potential) screenwriter I am hoping that the things I loved about the game will be transformed on the big screen, making me want to go home and play the game again. Hell, the trailer's already done that for me.

In closing, I'm saying that everyone should go out and see it. It's PG-13, so (some) kids can go see it as well. Hopefully later this week, when the movie is released, I'll post a formal review on it. For now, here's a fan made movie called Max Payne: Hero. This, I also remember from my freshmen year and thought it was brilliant. Enjoy!