Peppermint — 3.5 Gavels 13% Rotten Tomatoes

I propose that John Wick propose to Riley North and all drug dealers will be immediately dispatched to a their maker.  Seriously, this is a fine action movie.  So the critics might complain that the plot is a little weak.  Yet, the action isn’t.  Jennifer Garner improves on her Alias bona fides and shows serious lethal ability.   This movie will keep you awake.  The killing starts early and often, much like . . . John Wick.  Except for some reason, it doesn’t seem as excessive.   It is just so satisfying when the bad guys get their just desserts.  I give this movie 3.5 Gavels but the critics frown with a 13% Rotten Tomatoes rating.  Funny how the audience agrees with TMJ coming in at a hefty 89% approval.

Plot

The cartel gets word that Riley North’s husband is thinking about robbing them and decides to set an example.  He and their daughter are killed right in front of Riley who also suffers a gunshot wound.  The justice system allows the perpetrators to go free and Riley seeks revenge.  Five years later, with a certain set of skills, she begins to terrorize the drug dealers as the police and FBI are on her tail.  Will they stop her before she competes her mission?

Actors

Jennifer Garner (Riley North) can carry a movie.  Repeat.  Much like Charlize Theron in Atomic Blonde, she takes no prisoners.   John Gallagher Jr., as the “helpful” policeman is not impressive.  On the other hand, John Ortiz, as the “reluctant” policeman does well.  Juan Pablo Raba is an effective cartel bad dude, clearly in need of elimination.  Just kidding, this is movie!

Final Thoughts

Writing for TheWrap, Todd Gilchrist said that Peppermint “ultimately possesses the stale predictability of an unwrapped candy discovered at the bottom of a purse.”  Ouch!  I agree the revenge angle is not new, but what is?  Why didn’t the movie focus more on her five years of training and preparation?  Ask the writers?  If you want nuance, go elsewhere.  This movie doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is.  You kill my family; I kill you.  For one thing, you do not have to sit back and think about double crosses and multiple plot twists.  This one allows you to watch the story play out.  It’s nice to sit back and eat your popcorn once in a while.  In any case, Jennifer, the sequel is set up.  Now it’s up to the public.  Sadly, the critics are not in your corner.