[yasr_overall_rating]
“Peppermint” is a revenge story centering on a young mother who finds herself with nothing to lose and is now going to take from her enemies the very life they stole from her.
“Peppermint” features Jennifer Garner as working mom Riley North in a leading action role probably for the first time since the hit show “Alias” and the not-so-much-hit movie “Elektra.” In a departure from romantic comedies and supporting dramatic roles, Garner here again performs very credibly as a badass protagonist.
Our story opens in Los Angeles, present day, where Director Pierre Morel wisely chooses to launch the narrative with a combat sequence, rather than a sequential set-up. Garner is having it out with one of the gangsters who murdered her husband and young daughter. Morel defers until later the obligatory syrupy sweet suburban family life vignette, as well as the transition of North from wife and mother to ruthless vigilante bent on revenge.
Although there is not much new in “Peppermint,” there are many interesting aspects to the plot – not least of which include corrupt judges, crooked cops, unscrupulous prosecutors and slimly lawyers. In addition, several moments of surprising humor provide welcome levity throughout. Scriptwriter Chad St. John has given Jennifer Garner some good lines, and she makes the most of them.
Having said that, “Peppermint” fails to live up to prospects. Given that this production appears more or less billed as a newer, better, female version of “Taken,” such advance fanfare may have set expectations too high. The now iconic motion picture starring Liam Neeson opened with relatively modest hopes on a budget of $45 million. To the astonishment of many, “Taken” brought in $145 million domestically and $226 million worldwide.
In several key aspects, the earlier film is superior to “Peppermint.” One of the reasons for the success of “Taken,” was that it contained many agreeable moments of father-daughter empathy. Liam Neeson as Bryan Mills takes on an entire Eastern European white slavery syndicate to rescue his daughter, much to her relief. “Taken” also has two or three fine scenes between Mills and the rock star diva who doesn’t have much use for him until he suddenly comes to her aid in a convincing fashion. Unfortunately, for the most part, “Peppermint” lacks such charm.
As with “Taken,” the bad guys here are mostly one-dimensional – in this case, drug thugs. They strut and scowl menacingly, but we know exactly the fate that ultimately awaits them. In the course of the action, a plethora of simpleminded criminals are hastily dispatched, many with an unceremonious gunshot to the face.
A few of the supporting roles are worthy of mention. Cailey Fleming, for example, as North’s daughter Carly is spunky and endearing. Jeff Harlan turns in a wonderful performance as the corrupt judge, oleaginous to the point that it doesn’t bother us even after Riley North has nailed his hands to his desk. John Ortiz, who has been playing supporting roles going back to the 1990s, does a nice job as Detective Moises Beltran. His partner, Detective Stan Carmichael is suitably drawn by John Gallagher, Jr. Annie Ilonzeh does what she can as FBI Agent Lisa Inman.
Despite its shortcomings – if perhaps solely based on unrealized expectations – “Peppermint” is, without doubt, a crowd pleaser. As a cross between “Death Wish” and “The Equalizer,” “Peppermint” makes a fitting addition to the revenge genre that continues to satisfy moviegoers.
In theaters Friday, September 7th
