The great pitcher Satchel Paige allegedly remarked, "Don't look back; something will be gaining on you." That is the precise predicament of Mike Markovich, the protagonist of "Payback."
Mike is an aggressive and up-and-coming New York stockbroker until he is set up by his superiors in a job that has nothing to do with brokerage. When Mike visits L. A., he is sent on a mission by the oily entrepreneur Salva. In a pawn shop, Mike's associate Boone is killed along with the two proprietors of the store. Salva has set Mike up for the fall seemingly by multiple characters (Salva, Ricky, and Pasha), and he spends the next six years in prison.
When he is released, Mike spends the remainder of the film seeking payback. In the process, he loses his marriage to Judi and the opportunity to raise his young daughter Lana. His beloved grandfather is killed. And there seems like no end in sight for the depravity into which Mike has fallen.
The characters were well developed, and there was a gritty atmosphere throughout "Payback." One of the most intriguing characters was Kat, Pasha's assistant who eventually falls for Mike. There was a bittersweet ending where Mike still longs for his wife and daughter. The walls continue closing in on him. Something is definitely gaining on Mike Markovich, and he would be well advised not to look back.
Mike is an aggressive and up-and-coming New York stockbroker until he is set up by his superiors in a job that has nothing to do with brokerage. When Mike visits L. A., he is sent on a mission by the oily entrepreneur Salva. In a pawn shop, Mike's associate Boone is killed along with the two proprietors of the store. Salva has set Mike up for the fall seemingly by multiple characters (Salva, Ricky, and Pasha), and he spends the next six years in prison.
When he is released, Mike spends the remainder of the film seeking payback. In the process, he loses his marriage to Judi and the opportunity to raise his young daughter Lana. His beloved grandfather is killed. And there seems like no end in sight for the depravity into which Mike has fallen.
The characters were well developed, and there was a gritty atmosphere throughout "Payback." One of the most intriguing characters was Kat, Pasha's assistant who eventually falls for Mike. There was a bittersweet ending where Mike still longs for his wife and daughter. The walls continue closing in on him. Something is definitely gaining on Mike Markovich, and he would be well advised not to look back.