The girls from the valley have sent FATHER GEEK good news. I have seen an early print of this and have read the script, I loved it, a dark Mel, COOOOOL! But delay started to shake my faith. What were they doing to it? Rumors of massive reshoots didn't help, I thought it was perfect 8 months ago! Now the Gibson twins send me this and I'm feeling alot better. Here's what the girls have to say...

I recently had an opportunity to see the new Mel Gibson vehicle "Payback". It was a pre-screening with a film class & Q&A sesson afterwards. Bruce Davey, Steve Eggley (sp?) and Mel Gibson were present. I'm here to tell you, this movie kicks some serious a**! I predict that it will be a big hit - maybe a whole new genre for Mr. Gibson. His character is very shady, with zero compulsion about whacking people ... beware, the body count is very high in this one. He narrates throughout, using his lower register, very gruff, and VERY sexy, IMHO.

The cinemetography is EXCELLENT! The bleaching process they used gives it a very grainy feel. I had heard it was sepia toned, but I felt more like they had removed the warm tones, like an old TV show. Very cool. The buildings and cars are all somewhat nondescript, making the film seem of undetermined time, a very dark atmosphere. The dark humor that runs throughout is great, and lightens things up immensely - some very funny moments. All the characters are wonderful, even the bit parts are so well done, everyone seems a vital part of the film. My favorite was a beat-up-from-the-feet-up hooker, watch for her, she is great!

This film was FUN! I hope no one spills the beans on the story, as it really takes you on a ride, and although I am really good at figuring out where they are going in films, they still caught me by surprise here and there! A delightful film! Leave the kiddies at home.

Afterwards was the Q&A session. Mr. Gibson answered the same old, dull questions, but he never was less than wonderful. He would look each person directly as he answered, giving them his undivided attention. He withstood the fans and silliness, while Bruce and Steve were sitting there probably wondering why they were there. Brian Helgeland's name came up several times, and Mr. Gibson had nothing but good things to say about him. I might add that full directorial credit was given Mr. H. in the credits. Someone asked about it, and he didn't want to get into it, but he did say that Brian had artistic integrity, and in his self-effacing manner claimed that he did not. He is very uncomfortable in this setting, but was careful to make sure that no one else was, even when Rod Lurie would kind of diss them a bit for "fan behavior", Mel would save face for them... he is a real class act. All in all, this was a great film, and I don't doubt that we will be seeing more good stuff come from B.H. What a phenomenal debut.

Thanks!

The Gibson Girls