Mr. Payback MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +2 Content: -2

Have you ever wanted to change the way a movie's going? Change the ending from your theater seat? Have a say in what happens to the "bad guy?" MR. PAYBACK, the latest attempt at interactive movies lets you do that. However, its high-tech wizardry comes at a high price in terms of content. Each theatre seat is equipped with a joystick with buttons that allow the viewer to vote at certain junctures in the film. The votes are tabulated by computer and the film, actually on a laser disc, is changed per the audience's whims. The audience watches the 20-minute film three times, each a different storyline featuring Mr. Payback (Billy Warlock), a bionic "hero." He rights the wrongs done to law-abiding citizens. The plot's merely a framework for the interactive gimmickry, and by the third time through, the different plots' common elements are tiring.

The feeble plot also holds together a non-stop barrage of crude and obscene language, offensive gags about bodily functions, and sexually suggestive situations and dialogue. MR. PAYBACK's obviously aimed at young people who have grown up in the computer and video game age. It's sad that the producers of this film have also aimed revolting facets of this film at them as well. Cast your interactive film vote at the box office and avoid MR. PAYBACK.

Preview Reviewer: Pete Zimowski
Distributor: Interfilm