The Baker

We had a blistering start to the movie, what a beginning. Ron Perlman just oozed menace and Joel David Moore (Norm from Avatar) turned out a class act, albeit brief.

As a movie this was a page turner, it was script light and heavy on the action. In short it was a great thriller and yes, we had a few scenes that stretched credulity, but overall it was gripping.

I am not sure why some "critics" on here can't see the simple joy in this story about a grandfather protecting his family that was very well done, not to mention the great direction and great music.

I'm giving this a firm 6 outta 10 for a strong entertaining movie.

The good: a terrific acting performance by Ron Perlman, who elevates this straightforward gangster story to a much higher level. The man oozes COOL. Gotta see it to believe it.

Although there is another terrific actor (Harvey Keitel) starring, we unfortunately dont get to see him much. But the few minutes that he enters the stage, he is full on COOL as well. Ah, how I do love these rock solid acting legends.

More good: this is a solidly directed gangster movie, with good photography and a pounding music score. Special praise for playing Iggy Pop's Lust for Life album! :)

Any bad? The story has some credibility flaws, that just about prevent me from rating it with 8 stars though...

This story is about a former gangster turned baker (Ron Perlman), whose son stole drugs from the wrong kind of gangsters (Harvey Keitel). His son gets wacked pretty early on into the movie, but his mute daughter survives the assasination and flees with the drugs and then goes along with gangster Ron Perlman on a killing spree.

THIS storyline with that kid is the part with which I have some troubles concerning the credibility. Not a huge problem, but still, the plot could have been a bit more streamlined for credibility issues.

Recommended watch for those who are into the cool, calm and collected gangster stories. The acting doesnt come much better than this. Bravo!

Pappi (Ron Perlman) is the baker. His estranged no-good son Peter (Joel David Moore) shows up out of nowhere with mute daughter Delphi (Emma Ho). Peter had stolen from Vic (Elias Koteas) and mob boss Merchant (Harvey Keitel) is not happy.

This is part John Wick and part Léon: The Professional. It's got the extended continuous fight action. It is a simple story. Ron Perlman is always a dominating presence. It's a simple role for him. It also has some great actors filling out the cast. The girl is pretty cute and being mute does limit the possibility of failure. It all adds up to a solid B-movie.