There is something about Jennifer Garner in an action vehicle that is pure movie magic. She’s back kicking butt with the DVD, Blu-Ray and digital download arrival of Peppermint.
She was sensationally sublime in the TV hit Alias (that finished its run in 2006) and seriously killed it in 2007’s The Kingdom. Sure, there’s the whole Daredevil/Elektra debacle, but that was never her fault.
Since then, the actress has strictly stayed with rom-coms, dramas and playing the girlfriend or wife in roles that could have been thankless, but weren’t as she elevates them with her talent, screen presence and innate cinematic charm. Perhaps she was waiting for the right action film to strap on those kick-ass boots and return to the genre. That eagerness to witness Peppermint—her action heroine comeback, if you will—went somewhat south as her titanic prowess in the milieu is not used to its fullest.
Garner is Riley North, a happily married mother of a spunky little girl. It’s her daughter Carly’s (Cailey Fleming) birthday and her unsympathetic boss at her Los Angeles bank makes her work late. Luckily when she arrives home, it’s still early enough that she, her husband Chris (Jeff Hephner) and Carly can go to a Christmas fair to mark the occasion. They enjoy some pizza, ride some rides and grab some ice cream… peppermint ice cream to be exact! It’s the perfect evening, that is until gang-bangers pull up and fire automatic weapons at the North clan, killing both dad and daughter and leaving Riley clinging to life.
As she comes to in the hospital, Riley is approached by a LAPD Detective Stan Carmichael (John Gallagher Jr.) and informed that they have three suspects in custody that will be let go in the next 24 hours if Riley doesn’t come forward and finger them for the murders. So, even though she has just had head surgery (one of the bullets just missed her brain) she is front and center at a line-up and picks out the three men. During the trial, her mental facilities are challenged and the judge decides that there is not enough evidence and the charges are dropped.
Fast forward five years and Riley is off the grid. Authorities are certain that she’s returned and worse still… is seeking vengeance in the most violent of manners. She is a hero to those who experience crime daily—particularly in the Skid Row area of town where a mural has been painted celebrating her justice extolling ways. Not only is she gunning for those three men who walked for the murders, but everyone and anyone who has had any kind of connection to that cartel who orchestrated the unspeakable act.
It has been more than a decade since Alias sauntered into the sunset. How is it possible that the actress’ talent for action sequences has only elevated with time? Garner in Peppermint wields her ass-kicking moments with an air that feels as fresh as… well, peppermint! She vehemently commands every single one of those scenes and delivers an action performance that exceeds anything Garner achieved on Alias. Let us hope that she enjoyed the making of this flick and doesn’t wait another decade-plus to swing into action.
Peppermint is a solid middle-of-the-road actioner. Director Pierre Morel is working in a genre he excels in… after all, Morel gave us Taken.
When it comes to bonus features, there are two. The first is an all-too short look at the making of the movie, Justice. This behind-the-scenes featurette finds Garner and Morel giving priceless insight into the making of their flick. The most fascinating aspect is their take on the fantastic action sequences. Garner dishes getting back into action after all these years and the director extols the virtues of the awesomeness that is Jennifer Garner. Our only issue with this bonus feature is that it is too short… we want more!
The real look at the making of Peppermint arrives with an enlightening and entertaining feature audio commentary track from the helmer. It is like a film school master class hearing him discuss each moment of the film and how he makes his movie magic. After hearing Morel literally give a play-by-play of his filmmaking style as it plays out visually in front of the viewer, it has certainly enhanced my opinion of the director. It also has me keenly looking forward to whatever he does next.
Film Grade: B-
Bonus Features: B