But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil.
American movies are a curious phenomenon.
All phone numbers start with 555. There is a hint of romance in the air, and our hero is a better escape artist than Houdini. And then when we start rooting for the primary character, even if he is a little crusty around the edges, we find ourselves on his side even when he is violent. Even when his unlovely drive toward retribution makes him a worse criminal than the ones he is after. Despite the slick action scenes and the grainy side of sex appeal, Payback is really about stark retribution.