Blood Father Review: 7 Ups & 3 Downs
Mel Gibson has had a tough time in Hollywood over the last decade-or-so, but it's a relief to see that his personal problems haven't made him a lazy actor.
Gibson gives possibly his best performance in several decades here as the grizzled, immensely physical father who will do anything to protect his daughter.
What's more, Gibson manages to differentiate his take on the formula not only through his uncommon intensity and the surprisingly effective bond with Lydia here, but the self-reflexive nature of the role too. Just as Gibson himself has been in the wilderness as a pariah of sorts while trying to get sober, so too has his John Link.
Blood Father may not be his redemption for all eyes, but it's extremely convincing proof that he's hungry for another big role, and Hollywood should probably give it to him at some point.