User Reviews

Forget about the poster, thinking that this might be another great Mel Gibson dirty cop movie. NOT. Mel Gibson is only starring in this movie for a few lousy minutes, that's all.

The bad: the rest of this movie is filled with C-listed actors, who usually only star in television series and the sorts. This is a new low for Mel Gibson. Why did he have to choose such an inferior movie to star in? Is he running on lower ground? I hope not.

More bad: this movie has NOTHING going for it. It's terribly amateurish. Incredibly cheap looking. But most important of all, there is ZERO thrill or suspense.

Let's forget this was ever made and I hope Mel Gibson gets offered some better roles next time...

While the plot is sound and the subject worthwhile, the execution falls flat in nearly every aspect. Good actors can only do so much with a script that borders on juvenile - quite likely the worst script Michael Kaycheck has put his name on - it seems to be more of a Law and Order episode cowritten by Brooke Nasser and convoluted by the directorial overreach of Michael Oblowitz. All in all a terrible collaboration. As for the cast, great acting by all throughout, which is especially noteworthy given the aforementioned script and amateurish direction. Maybe Oblowitz should stick to short films and music videos if this is the best he can do given such a cast.

I feel bad for the stellar cast that sadly, even they couldn't save this poorly executed mess. I really liked the concept of the story - apparently it's based on actual events (as per closing credits), and in the hands of a better filmmaker, this story could've and should've shined.

But sadly, experienced cinematographer, and producer and director of this film, Michael Oblowitz - with an astonishing 36 prior directorial credits, still hasn't learned how to make a compelling, viewable and engaging film. As a cinematographer, he failed miserably with his choices of horrible color palettes, murky lighting, outdated slow-mo shots and bad camera angles, and he failed even more with his horrible directing, laughable action choreography, shoddy camera work, lackluster editing, and even worse cast direction. His slow pacing made the normally comfortable 88 min runtime feel never-ending.

All these flaws and lack of cinematic creativity, as well as the constant overbearing and unfitting score, hindered what could have been an impactful and suspense-filled narrative. A fifth grade drama class could come up with a better film. I think Oblowitz should find a new hobby, like basket-weaving, and leave filmmaking to those who have the knack. It's a very generous 5/10 all going to the amazing cast who tried their best with what they had to work with. Even if you're a fan like I am of Gibson, Purcell, and the always stunning Kate Bosworth, do yourself a favor and skip this cringe-worthy production, it's not worth your time.

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This movie is stupefyingly dull. Monotonous delivery, dismal dialogue, a flatlined plot, and a complete void where any emotional impact should occur. Given all of that, it's absurd that the movie seems to take itself so seriously.

Some movies are so bad that they're good. Some are so bad that they're funny. This is neither. It is simply just bad. And boring. So very boring.

I tried my best, but lost interest within 20 minutes. I did some house chores instead, just listening over my shoulder to follow the storyline. That only made doing chores more boring. I turned off the movie and time passed quicker.

As I compose this review, screenwriters are going on strike. The level of writers, directors and producers of this gutter-calibre film don't deserve minimum wage.

"You made me miss my Yankees game"

Probably the worst cop movie I've ever seen and worst movie I've seen this year. This actually made Bruce Willis' Detective Knight trilogy that he did right before his retirement seem better in comparison and those movies are pretty awful so that's a big accomplishment. If I put this on my 2023 Ranked list it would go right at the bottom right next to Winnie The Pooh: Blood and Honey. Despite the three names on the poster none of them are the lead. The true lead of this is Nick Stahl and every scene he supposedly shares with Mel Gibson they're shot separately and are never actually shown to be in the same shot together which makes me think they never actually interacted when shooting this movie or the camerawork is just so awful that it looks like they weren't even in the same room together when they actually were.

A new low for everyone involved even Dominic Purcell who has been doing this type of garbage his whole career. Who I really feel bad for is both Nick Stahl and Mel Gibson who both deserve much better than this bottom of the barrel trash. If you enjoy crappy camerawork, murky lighting and a grating score Confidential Informant is the movie for you.

Is this a joke? Seriously, is this really a joke? Because honestly it was so beyond bad. From the bad color correction, to the poorly written dialogue and acting to the constant music overlapping trying to cover up a horrible movie.

What happened to Mel Gibson? He seems to be doing nothing but b-movies now.

I don't think I bought a single character in this film. And the distracting "music video" editing made it even worse, as if it couldn't get any worse.

There was NOTHING believable about this film, not a single thing.

How did this get green lit? Nick Stahl as a cop? I mean, maybe a drug addict, but not a cop.

This is a BIG NO from me..

There must be two different movies with the same title based on the glowing reviews that are here. It's a horrible movie and I couldn't even watch the whole thing. An hour in and Mel has about 5 lines and a few minutes of screen time. His delivery lacks any effort at all. The soundtrack is annoying - too loud most of the time and rather than adding to the movie it is distracting. The acting is wooden and lacks any emotion or believability. The script is so predictable. Don't waste your time on this one. There are far better movies out there. Sad tp see actors like Mel taking on roles like this.

... who should not concern themselves with this kind of subject matter and Who means really well and had good ideas about what is fair and equitable in life

• but he does not as yet have the wherewithal to really put it across
• so yes the entire exercise feels childish to an adult viewer of average or above average intelligence

Usually you can say about a film it is good or it is bad; here you cannot as it is both

The ideas are sound and interesting the premise excellent and a critique of a system which is by design unfair

• the way it is put across tho is very sketchy like a blueprint of an effort with the details skimped over. No meat on those bones; just the skeleton. Was the budget really basic? It certainly feels it..

Gibson here is more than a cameo but not hugely so ... he is his usual mix of charm integrity and anarchic humourist; he does his job .... the others are adequate but not sterling

The overall feel is that of a TV movie ... watchable but no great shakes.

Where do I even begin with "Confidential Informant"? Let's start with the positives. The only reason this movie earns a generous 5-star rating from me is the presence of Mel Gibson and Dominic Purcell. Their names on the poster gave me hope, but sadly, their screen time amounted to a mere blink-and-you'll-miss-it appearance. Kudos to them for making the most out of their limited minutes.

Now, let's dive into the cesspool of mediocrity that is this film. From the moment it began, I knew I was in for a wild ride, and by wild, I mean an uncontrollable descent into disappointment. The cast, excluding Gibson and Purcell, consists of C-list actors who seem to have found their true calling in television series rather than the big screen. I can't help but wonder why Gibson chose such an inferior project. Is he willingly treading on lower ground? Let's hope not.

The movie's amateurish production is painfully evident. It reeks of cheapness and lacks any semblance of visual appeal. It's as if the entire budget was spent on gathering the star-studded cast, leaving nothing for decent cinematography or production design. But the biggest letdown of all is the absence of thrill or suspense. Zero, zilch, nada. It's like watching paint dry, except paint drying might actually hold your attention longer.

I genuinely wish this movie could be erased from existence, and I sincerely hope that Mel Gibson finds himself in better roles in the future. Now, let's take a moment to appreciate the irony that this movie claims to be based on actual events. It's hard to believe when the execution is so subpar that even a fifth-grade drama class could come up with a more compelling narrative.

The blame for this catastrophe lies heavily on the shoulders of Michael Oblowitz, the experienced cinematographer turned producer and director. With an astonishing 36 prior directorial credits, one would expect him to have learned a thing or two about making an engaging film. Alas, he proved us wrong. His choices of color palettes are horrendous, the lighting is murky, and the camera angles feel outdated. And let's not even get started on the laughable action choreography and shoddy camera work. It's a wonder how he managed to stretch 88 minutes into what felt like an eternity.

The lack of cinematic creativity is astounding. The overbearing and unfitting score constantly begs for attention, as if trying to cover up the glaring flaws of the movie. But believe me, there's no hiding the fact that "Confidential Informant" is an absolute trainwreck.

To sum it up, this film is a terrible collaboration of a lackluster script, amateurish direction, and wasted potential. The talented cast deserves better, especially given the abysmal material they had to work with. Perhaps Oblowitz should stick to short films and music videos, leaving filmmaking to those who possess the necessary knack. As much as I admire Gibson, Purcell, and the stunning Kate Bosworth, I urge you to save yourself the agony and skip this cringe-worthy production. It simply isn't worth your time.

In conclusion, "Confidential Informant" is the kind of movie that makes you question your life choices. It's a perfect storm of bad choices, horrendous editing, and a complete lack of believability. I can't help but wonder if this film was intended as a joke, but unfortunately, the only punchline here is the fact that it actually got made. Save yourself the agony and steer clear of this colossal misfire.

This is another one of those endless Lionsgate movies which cast one star (Mel Gibson is this case -- who seems to be making a lot of these movies lately) that are churned out, for what audience I dont know.

I cannot imagine that this was released in movie theatres. Maybe internationally and streamed here? Beats me.

There's also some B level actor who's been in a TV cop series who shows up in this. It's clear that the movie is Gibsen's money-for-nothing film. He's barely in it and obviously got paid solely for his star power. Kate Boswirth is there too but she has little to do except show up and pretend to cry.

In all, the film reaks of cheapness and poor directing.

Glad I didn't pass by this film! Normally I have an aversion to 'cop dramas'. This aside, Nick Stahl, Mel Gibson, Dominic Purcell and Kate Bosworth all star in this, intense, action packed, cop drama... 'Confidential Informant'. The film is rated R for some mild nudity, drug use and overt violence throughout, so you are going to have to resist the natural desire to make it your family night feature.

Now, not hating on Bruce Willis at all but as far as production value, 'Confidential Informant' is visually more cinematic than some of Bruce Willis' recent film roles. Overall entertaining, nothing 'academy worthy' but as I said before, Glad I didn't pass this one by!

The acting and the (grounded) action are there. The story is not overly complicated, but not all stories need to be. The sense of older cop flicks is there, the gritty image too. A return to more sensible plots like this is needed, a turn from "they are all superhuman beings / action movies heroes". Most people are trying to do their best in ordinary circumstances and then, there are people who are involved in other settings and how are also trying to do their best; except that the latter need to put themselves over a whole other type of line of duty, hopefully for the rest of us to not having to live or see the darker side of life.

I am trying to figure out, not only WHY would Mel Gibson even BE IN THIS, but also how the hell could they even pay him?! This isn't a Low-Budget film; it's a NO BUDGET "film"!

I'm pretty sure that the cellphone they used to make this "film" was one of those early 2000s ones. This movie is pretty horrible!!! This is definitely a D-Movie, and NO I did not mean to say B !!!

I would NEVER recommend this movie! You will be bored, confused, and HIGHLY disappointed! I can't believe there is even one person that watched the entire movie and actually liked it!!! It was so CRAPPY and EMBARRASSING!!!!

Definitely a low budget b-film. In the first half and hour I found the dialougue lacking a little bit, but the story got me hooked and I felt I was in good company. Great actors. I could feel their hearts were in it. Then the dialogue got better, above average I would say, and there was suspense from start to finish.

The subject of the film is a bit controversial. Is it ok to make insurance fraud and to go above the law, even if it's for the right cause(?) What should we as society ideally aim for(?) And what works best in real life on the ground(?) Those are the questions this film asks.

Finally, I would like to mention that this film in my opinion is the best Mel Gibson has been in since The Expendables 3 and certainly a lot better than what he's been in recently.

Whoever had the misfortune of investing in this film must be crying in their hat. What did I just watch? How is this marketed as a Mel Gibson movie? He is hardly in it and seems brain dead. He must've owed someone a favor...

Cannot understand any of the dialogue not that it matters. And why was this shot so poorly?

The script makes absolutely no sense. This is a complete waste of time. And these actors all seem to be mumbling their words as characters from other movies.

Absolutely not cohesive. The directing is abysmal. Not sure what is wrong with the color. I thought it was my TV set but lo and behold, I don't think so.

Absolutely rubbish. Don't waste your time or money.

I'ts based on a True Story, as for the camerawork and the lighting again read the end titles, it was shot in Covid times, so pretty understandable it won't be up to usual standards as I would think you had a skeleton crew working on it As for the cast, excellent, Dominic Purcell is one of my favourite actors and even Mel Gibson was good in his small part. Yes the story is hard to believe, but folks it says "based on a true story" The acting from all the cast was decent, don't know why such bad reviews for this film. Sometimes the wrong thing is the right thing to do, as they say and maybe in this instance they were right.

No pun intended - the movie is another one for Mel Gibson ... who may take over from Bruce Willis and Nicolas Cage ... the former not being able to perform anymore ... not that there is much performing necessary. But you know what I mean. This action thriller is overall decent I reckon. But unfortunately it is also quite muddled ... and all over the place (again no pun intended).

I think you will have better things to do with your time, but it is nice to see some of the actors ... even if they seem overqualified for the movie they have been hired to do ... it happens! And don't we all need money? Exactly!

I bought a ticket to this movie because I assumed that any cop movie starring Mel Gibson would be worth watching. After all, he is a giant of TV and movies, and has a wonderful back catalogue of work with some really memorable performances and great storylines. Oh how the mighty have fallen. This film was a complete turkey from the first minute to the last. And Mel hardly has much to do with the movie, only appears in a few poorly scripted, predictable scenes. This is a boring movie, I was constantly waiting for something interesting to happen, but to no avail. Thankfully the end came and I escaped out of the cinema back to the real world. Oh Mel, what happened??

This film has no redeeming qualities. It is shot poorly. The script makes no sense. The actors mumble through everything and Mel Gibson is not really in this movie and as much as is it is a cameo.

It's like a love affair, that the filmmakers had with cocaine and violence. It's beyond sophomoric. The actors mumbled through their dialogue and are completely incoherent. Truly a travesty.

More time was spent on lighting and glamorizing, money, flying, and cocaine, production, and usage, then in actual crafting of a film.

Looks cheap and immature and made by amateurs.

There is no reason to watch this at all. Not entertaining. Not in lightning. Not one enjoyable moment.

The movie is probably low budget. But it had a good story line. It was believable. The acting was good. It had a noir feel to it. OK it wasn't a "Super Cop" movie with unbelievable car chases and guns with never ending bullets and silly cliches. It is a good tough cop movie and Mel was great. It may not be a great movie but it was interesting and kept my attention. All the negative reviews are unwarranted in my opinion. It was nice not to have my senses overloaded with over the top CGI, fantasy comic book superheroes and unrealistic stories. Watch the movie without too much expectations and enjoy the ride. I like this movie.