The film Painkillers now on DVD changes direction throughout while setting up a far-out science fiction thriller that’s kind of just average. The opening and midway through get very intriguing, but beyond that its more of a run of the mill story that never really makes a whole lot of sense. The cinematography and special effects are good, the wardrobe department shines and there’s some twists in the film that are fun when revealed.
Major John Cafferty (Tahmoh Penikett) wakes up in a medical ward following a fire fight with the Taliban in Afghanistan. He doesn’t know where he is and why he can’t remember anything. His attending Doctor Troutman (Colm Feore) explains that he was airlifted from a fail-safe pick-up point in the condition he finds himself. He explains to John that his mission was vital to national security and that three members of his squad did not make it out. After meeting with the other 4 squad members that were rescued, he starts to remember little things making him suspicious of the whole military mission.
The film goes on from there involving members of his squad and the pills they are taking that allow them to go in to a deep sleep. Director and screenwriter Peter Winther does a fair job with his convoluted script that loses its spunk midway through. Of course the twists involve keep his viewers off balance for a reason and that’s what the rest of the story is all about.
The acting is quite good with Tahmoh Penikett leading the cast in this science fiction thriller that involves a lot of military fighting. Here his character is conflicted with not knowing why he can’t remember, but as the film goes on he starts to realize there’s something not right about the mission and with the help of private Guts (Lesley-Ann Brandt) he starts a battle to survive. Holding his own within the complex story, he saves the film from getting overly outlandish.
Painkillers has not been rated by the MPAA, but contains an extensive amount of violence, some brutality and abusive language. Be cautious when deciding to allow immature children see the film as it does have some scenes that are inappropriate for adolescents.
FINAL ANALYSIS: An okay film for science fiction lovers. (C )
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Tahmoh Penikett, Lesley-Ann Brandt, Erica Durance, Julia Voth, Colm Feore
Director and writer: Peter Winther
MPAA Rating: Not Rated, contains violence, language
Genre: Sci-fi, Thriller, Action
Running Time: 1 hr. 45 min.
Original Theatrical Release Date: November 15, 2015
Video Release Date: January 12, 2015
Language: English
Reviewed Format: DVD
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1
Video: Wide Screen 16×9 Aspect Ratio 1.85:1
Subtitles: CC only
Number of Discs: 1 Disc
Distributed by: RLJ Entertainment
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
