The fact is that the opposite is true. Gibson s character, who s lower key, is much more menacing and hence liable to be taken seriously by his opponents. Only Gibson, James Coburn in a small role, and Maria Bello emerge unscathed. The film is also repellently violent at times. Coupled with this, are several spectacularly unsuccessful attempts at dark humour.
Black comedy is difficult to do well.
It only works with a great script. Otherwise, the resultant un-funny humour serves to undermine the film as well, as it does here. The overall plot is simple enough and makes sense. It s the smaller, more important details that don t gel here. It seems that in remaking Point Blank , the filmmakers chose in spite of themselves, to make Payback more violent, and less intelligent.