User Reviews

Greetings again from the darkness. Imagine if Liam Neeson's character in TAKEN had also been a skilled trauma surgeon ... and a woman. If so, the result would be similar to the main character here, Michelle, played by Leah Gibson. Michelle is that rare former military doctor with special ops skills. She's also a mother to a young son, and experiences a traumatic event in the opening scene in this film from director Tony Dean Smith and writer Alex Wright.

Michelle (Ms. Gibson) returns to civilian life as a single mother and secures a job as a surgeon at a small suburban hospital where a former military affiliate is Chief of Surgery. She's making the best of her new life, and has secured the night off work to take her son to a big soccer match for his birthday. Before they can leave the hospital, a gunshot victim arrives - one needing Michelle's special skills. Of course, we have seen what she hasn't ... the gun shot victim is part of the local Irish mob known as the Quinn Brotherhood, and though his wounds occurred during a crime, there is a twist.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers plays Sean Quinn, the hot-headed son of Patrick Quinn (Oscar winner Jon Voight). The two butt heads as the elderly Patrick looks for a negotiated agreement under duress, while the young Sean thinks everything can be solved with intimidation and violence. Not helping matters is a rookie FBI agent who has the youngest Quinn son (the above-mentioned gunshot victim) in custody.

There is plenty of noise, gunfire, and tough-talking throughout the film, but we never believe that Michelle is in much danger - thanks to her 'very particular set of skills.' Although she has acted regularly for the past 15 years, we wouldn't call Leah Gibson a familiar face. She is, however, up to the challenges of this physically demanding role. Even Jonathan Rhys Meyers is all in as the psychopath gangster, and despite his turn in "The Tudors", he has never reached the level of stardom I predicted after MATCH POINT (2005).

Jon Voight is now 85 years old, and his storied career includes key roles in MIDNIGHT COWBOY (1969), DELIVERANCE (1972), COMING HOME (1978), MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE (1996), and a career renaissance with "Ray Donovan" ... the role most similar to his character in this movie. Outside of Mr. Voight, the film has a distinct B-movie look and feel, although the clown in the hospital was a nice touch and almost made up for the lame 'salutes' we are subjected to.

In select theatres on May 12, 2023, and on demand on June 2, 2023.

An Irish crime family takes over a hospital in Washington (state) when the heir of the business is wounded in a clash with law enforcement. A doctor with military experience helps authorities from the inside (Leah Gibson). Jon Voight is on hand as the Irish 'Godfather.'

"Mercy" (2023) is a snappy crime thriller in the mold of "Die Hard," just with a lower budget and a kick-axx woman in the top role instead of Bruce Willis.

Speaking of whom, Leah Gibson shines here and is one of the main reasons for seeing this minor flick that cost $5 million. The only other film I've seen her in is "The Devil's Ground" from 14 years prior where she had the same distinctive doe-eyed face, but with a stick figure; she's thankfully filled out over the years and looks great in tight jeans. Her beauty is well displayed throughout without getting sleazy.

Another positive is that "Mercy" is pro-Conservative. Critics are too hard on it seeing as how it delivers the goods if you're in the mood for a quick action thriller.

The movie is short-n-sweet at 1 hour, 25 minutes, and was presumably shot in the Seattle area (you can see the Space Needle in the distance). I say 'presumably' because I can't find specifics on the locations.

GRADE: B-

Jon Voight at his worst Sad to se a great actor get involve in garbage like this is, absolutely devastating. This film is awful.

The plot holes are massive. I mean you would have to suspend all reality of society to believe some of the things that occur to set up the "story" or "plot" or whatever this thing is. There are other parts where you will just shake your head and ask: Why. That's the main question. This is utter nonsense. Unless you're into watching a plot that moves in ways that confuse you and make you annoyed, I would avoid this movie. Not good. I have never wanted a film to end so much in my life.

Military doctor Michelle (Leah Gibson) survives a dangerous explosion while treating a soldier. It's two years later and she's working at a hospital. She is about to leave work with her son Bobby when the FBI comes rushing in with prisoner Ryan Quinn. They have injured and the Quinn Irish criminal family coming after them. The family is led by patriarch Patrick Quinn (Jon Voight) and his murderous son Sean Quinn (Jonathan Rhys Meyers). The Quinn family gang takes over the hospital and looks to recover Ryan.

Leah Gibson seems to be a thirtysomething actress who had worked a lot in secondary roles. She's blonde. She has boobs which she uses in an early shower scene. She does surprisingly functional action. She's a fine physical actress from her dance work. Along with her, this has a couple of big name actors. This has potential, but it also stinks of B-movie. Sadly, the stink wins out in this case. The writing is bland and the filmmaking is poor. They basically have the run of a building and shot a film there. B-movies like this needs great stunt sequences, but they are only passable. There is nothing here but a forgettable B-movie.

I love a bad movie, a guilty pleasure bad movie, This is NOT that. This is the most disjointed, convoluted nonsense I've ever seen. It would be painful to watch if it wasn't so utterly mystifying. Choice after choice, beat after beat it gets worse. The poor actors don't know what to do here. You can see them trying their best to maintain some dignity but I wanted to crawl under a rock, for them. The lead actress is unwatchable, everything looks like a set and even the most basic casual clothing looks like wardrobe. The plot is formulaic and still utterly nonsensical. BUT.. I almost want you to see this!?! I challenge anyone to watch the scene at 50min ( roof run) without shouting WTAF???? It's THAT bizarre.

IN A NUTSHELL: The story is about an ex-military doctor who finds herself in a deadly battle for survival when the Irish mafia seize control of the hospital where she works. When her son is taken hostage, she is forced to rely upon her battle-hardened past and lethal skills after realizing there's no one left to save the day but her.

The bloody ordeal at Mercy Hospital was directed by Tony Dean Smith. Writing credits go to Alex Wright.

THINGS I LIKED: Jon Voight is always a pleasure to see in films. I love that he's 85 years old and still making movies! Good for him! He seems to be enjoying himself in this role. In the film, he has an Irish accent as the elder who leads a bunch of idiot bad guys with hot heads who don't make logical decisions. I'm going to Ireland this summer for the first time ever! So excited!

Leah Gibson is beautiful, smart, and courageous in her role in this action flick. She's got some serious skills and can kick butt. In addition, she is a singer and dancer in real life. When she's not filming, she performs in cabaret nightclubs as a singer. She might not look familiar to many viewers, but I'm sure you've seen her in some movies and TV shows. She did a fantastic job! Fun fact: She has a twin sister...I do too!

Unfortunately, Jonathan Rhys Meyers has the heart and a desire to act in a big movie, but he has mostly been cast in mediocre films. He was fantastic in the popular TV show "The Tudors" but has never cemented his action skills in any Hollywood blockbusters yet.

There is some humor in the movie, although not all of it lands.

You'll definitely get a Die Hard vibe. One of the bad guys even says, "Yipee kiyay..." ha ha There is a lot of shooting and action.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: The movie has a B- movie look and feel to it.

Little details are messed up for anyone bothered by that kind of thing. For example, a man gets moved to a gurney in a hospital, yet no one noticed the bomb strapped to his chest right next to him?

Since the movie is called Mercy, after the name of the hospital, it would have been good to have someone use the word "mercy" in one of their lines, as in "Show me some mercy!" If they did, I guess I missed it.

The Irish gang was just really hot-headed and stupid. They make dumb decisions that just don't make any sense. Surely, one of them could have come up with a better solution to their problem.

Where were all of the other patients, doctors, janitors, nurses, and other workers during the day shift?

TIPS FOR PARENTS: Lots of profanity and many F-bombs In a disgusting scene, a man cuts off someone's ear.

Wow, there sure are a bunch of characters with anger management problems.

We see bloodied bodies A man explodes from a bomb strapped to his chest.

Lots of violence with guns and hand-to-hand combat A lot of people get shot, bloodied, and die A child is taken as a hostage in a dangerous situation.

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Absoulty best Action packed movie in years !!!!

Jon Voight absoulty totally A List rating...... Entire cast of stars from many great Movies ... The negative reviews are absoulty insane reviews hat need removed ... I purchased and rented movie .. purchased I loved the film to put in my collection.

On edge of seat the entire time during the entire film .... Some folks compared to Die Hard , liked 35 years ago ! But this is way better any much more realistic than Die hard ... Nothing negative about this film whatsoever ... Action Action Action All the way from beginning to end ... Had a plot a beginning and end ... Enjoy.

I won't go on too long. All the other sub 5-star ratings are on point... with one exception: Voight's fake Irish accent is horrendous, appealing, (pick your favorite diss).

Given the rest of the movie, and the story is so garbage, he might as well have played a distant mob uncle from America, so the audience could avoid listening to the accent. Miserable.

I watched it on the plane without expecting too much... but my goodness did it fall short of my already super low expectations.

I do hope this does not break even or in any other way incentivizes the producers to half-ass another film in the future.

Woke up from a nap to find my wife watching this movie. There are no words to convey how bad this movie is.

I'll give you one scene: Hero lady doctor is running through the hospital, then for no apparent reason, she's running on the roof.

Meanwhile the FBI agents are reviewing her war record. They see she's won 3 gold stars! (There's no such thing as a gold star. Silver Star yes, gold star no!)

Cut to the next scene as the two FBI agents are saluting her as she runs on the roof. Seriously.

Absolutely a bucket of drivel. The only reason you should watch this movie is to point out all the ways it's terrible. 0 out of 10 stars.

Sorry but this movie is 1 too much!, what a waste of everything, what a spoiled cast, especially all gang members runned by 83yo Jon Voight. This actor should have retired already because he doesn't have that special appearance to act like it should be. Just concentrate on Santa movies for adults, as kids will run away as fast as they can when they see you Mr. Voight. The story is also very poor, annoying and irritating. And another known actor as Jonathan Rhys Meyers spoils all his energy here by making his worst performance ever! Mercy is probably the worst hostage movie ever made. With so-called acting tough guys who really look like the weakest kind of sponsy characters.

This movie is an insult. The idea may have had the potential to be a decent action film, but the writing did everything possible to make sure it wasn't. There wasn't a single scene which wasn't idiotic. I don't want to insert spoilers, if you still want to watch it after the mostly, and justifiably, negative reviews. But let me just sat that you should read the review that gave it a 10/10 and then read NOT, that is to say the movie is just the opposite. Sadly, it is garbage. Comparing this to Die Hard is like comparing a scooter to a Porche. I actually felt sorry for the actors. Bottom line: Don't waste your time.

Absolutely horrible! Horrible casting, terrible direction and pointless film. I don't understand who funds such garbage? Why is a movie which would probably be dated even in the 80s is being made in 2023?

The leading actress tries really hard but everything around her is just falling apart and eventually she also comes across as terrible.

The ending is unintentionally funny because everyone's performance hits rock bottom with cliche after cliche being thrown at the viewer..you are left with really no option but to laugh at this sorry excuse of a film.

Hopefully the writers and director can find a regular 9-5pm job instead of wasting their life making films.