Caught this on Netflix Instant the other day. Usually, I have a lot to say about everything, but for this I don't. It was just a standard Mel Gibson action movie. Not his best, not his worst. Not as fun as "Casa de Mi Padre." But the plot was feasible, the sympathetic characters were relatable, and the action was pretty good. Maybe you could find some major flaws or potholes, but that's to be expected. When I'm watching something like this, I switch that part of my brain off and just enjoy it for what it is.

I saw this a while back and I applaud the marketing effort.
Gibson tested the water with a decent first fun style feature exclusively on VOD.

I think it's a pretty decent by the numbers actioner filled with despicable cats.
Was hoping for more fun, but I got through the film with some chuckles.
Gibson seems to be channeling bits of his inner Porter here with mixed results.

Pretty watchable ninety minutes though.
And that seems to be saying a lot these days. :\

Regards,
E.D.

This film had distribution in the UK and was titled How I Spent My Summer Vacation.

To my mind, it was a very good film. Mel was on top form and, quite frankly, I couldn't give a toss about his views. He's an excellent actor (and director) and commands the screen with such skill, you cannot help but be drawn into his world.

There was a slight sag towards the end, but the film was well made, well acted and a good evening at the flicks.

I watched this one a few months back, remember enjoying it for what it was. Gibson was decent playing an anti-hero type and gave a great Clint Eastwood impression over the phone to some rich idiot if my memory serves me right.

The Mexican prison was a tad cliche overall with a head honcho who rules over the roost. It reminded me of season 3 of Prison Break in some ways.  I guess the major difference here was the antag's condition and how he needs the boy protected for his organs later on which just happens to be the same boy who Gibson's character has taken a shine too.

Yeah, it had some good action and it was nice to see Gibson back doing action to be honest.

Quoted from Andrew This film had distribution in the UK and was titled How I Spent My Summer Vacation.

That's a horrible title! Why did they change it in the U.K?

Usually, it's the other way around. Pirate Radio was the US name, but it was the The Boat That Rocked in the UK, which was way better than trying to play off Pirates of the Caribbean.

Very surprised everyone seems to like this.  I've attempted to watch it 4 nights now, and I still have about 30 minutes to go.

I like Mel Gibson...always have, probably always will.

I guess I kinda liked the beginning, as the 2 clowns are trying to escape, but as soon as their car took that oh so very fake jump into the border wall...oh boy...it was the beginning of a plunge into ridiculousness.

I guess if you shut your brain completely off, this cold crawl along alright and be a decent and different little flick, but for me?  No, it didn't work on any level.  The number of cliches and completely unrealistic and fake moments seemed to overrun the entire movie.  I mean, I was constantly rolling my eyes to the point that they shut and I'd fall asleep, only to have to backtrack a few minutes the next night and go through the same thing again and again.

I'll attempt to finish it again tonight, so you may see another post tomorrow morning.

Yeah, Jeff...you tried too hard.

Jeff,

If you didn't like the beginning, you certainly won't like the ending. It gets even more far fetched. I liked this movie. It sets a tone at the beginning and keeps it throughout. Pretty cool shoot out scenes, especially when the cowboys invade the prison.

Its very much like Payback, but I enjoyed that movie as well.

James