Mercy

Greetings again from the darkness. Imagine if Liam Neeson's character in TAKEN had also been a skilled trauma surgeon ... and a woman. If so, the result would be similar to the main character here, Michelle, played by Leah Gibson. Michelle is that rare former military doctor with special ops skills. She's also a mother to a young son, and experiences a traumatic event in the opening scene in this film from director Tony Dean Smith and writer Alex Wright.

Michelle (Ms. Gibson) returns to civilian life as a single mother and secures a job as a surgeon at a small suburban hospital where a former military affiliate is Chief of Surgery. She's making the best of her new life, and has secured the night off work to take her son to a big soccer match for his birthday. Before they can leave the hospital, a gunshot victim arrives - one needing Michelle's special skills. Of course, we have seen what she hasn't ... the gun shot victim is part of the local Irish mob known as the Quinn Brotherhood, and though his wounds occurred during a crime, there is a twist.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers plays Sean Quinn, the hot-headed son of Patrick Quinn (Oscar winner Jon Voight). The two butt heads as the elderly Patrick looks for a negotiated agreement under duress, while the young Sean thinks everything can be solved with intimidation and violence. Not helping matters is a rookie FBI agent who has the youngest Quinn son (the above-mentioned gunshot victim) in custody.

There is plenty of noise, gunfire, and tough-talking throughout the film, but we never believe that Michelle is in much danger - thanks to her 'very particular set of skills.' Although she has acted regularly for the past 15 years, we wouldn't call Leah Gibson a familiar face. She is, however, up to the challenges of this physically demanding role. Even Jonathan Rhys Meyers is all in as the psychopath gangster, and despite his turn in "The Tudors", he has never reached the level of stardom I predicted after MATCH POINT (2005).

Jon Voight is now 85 years old, and his storied career includes key roles in MIDNIGHT COWBOY (1969), DELIVERANCE (1972), COMING HOME (1978), MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE (1996), and a career renaissance with "Ray Donovan" ... the role most similar to his character in this movie. Outside of Mr. Voight, the film has a distinct B-movie look and feel, although the clown in the hospital was a nice touch and almost made up for the lame 'salutes' we are subjected to.

In select theatres on May 12, 2023, and on demand on June 2, 2023.

It's such a foolish scene, especially towards the end when they all meet up near Merturay. The father and son start to quarrel, but Dr. Michelle (Leah Gibson) stands there and watches. Wouldn't people run away when they have chances in real life?? These are just some of the pathetic scenes that I notice.

Director Tony Dean Smith may not get another good film after this and Leah Gibson must think before signing up for another film.

One of the worst parts of the film was when 2 FBI officers saluting the Dr Michelle when she appeared on the roof of the hospital. What a pathetic scene. The FBI chap's part was unbelievable. Do FBIs really do their job like that?

Jon Voight at his worst Sad to se a great actor get involve in garbage like this is, absolutely devastating. This film is awful.

The plot holes are massive. I mean you would have to suspend all reality of society to believe some of the things that occur to set up the "story" or "plot" or whatever this thing is. There are other parts where you will just shake your head and ask: Why. That's the main question. This is utter nonsense. Unless you're into watching a plot that moves in ways that confuse you and make you annoyed, I would avoid this movie. Not good. I have never wanted a film to end so much in my life.

I won't go on too long. All the other sub 5-star ratings are on point... with one exception: Voight's fake Irish accent is horrendous, appealing, (pick your favorite diss).

Given the rest of the movie, and the story is so garbage, he might as well have played a distant mob uncle from America, so the audience could avoid listening to the accent. Miserable.

I watched it on the plane without expecting too much... but my goodness did it fall short of my already super low expectations.

I do hope this does not break even or in any other way incentivizes the producers to half-ass another film in the future.

Woke up from a nap to find my wife watching this movie. There are no words to convey how bad this movie is.

I'll give you one scene: Hero lady doctor is running through the hospital, then for no apparent reason, she's running on the roof.

Meanwhile the FBI agents are reviewing her war record. They see she's won 3 gold stars! (There's no such thing as a gold star. Silver Star yes, gold star no!)

Cut to the next scene as the two FBI agents are saluting her as she runs on the roof. Seriously.

Absolutely a bucket of drivel. The only reason you should watch this movie is to point out all the ways it's terrible. 0 out of 10 stars.