Bullet Points: Paying Mr. McGetty

I have seen quite a few Don “The Dragon” Wilson movies over the years. And while I can’t make the claim that I’ve seen every Don “The Dragon” Wilson movie, I feel like I can safely say that Paying Mr. McGetty is unlike any other Don “The Dragon” Wilson movie that came before it.

• About Last Night: After a night of gambling and drinking at a casino, Tyrrell (R. Marcos Taylor) wakes up to an angry phone call from his girlfriend Meena (Anita Clay). While Meena is on the phone telling Tyrrell that he needs to get home ASAP, Tyrrell realizes he is in a hotel room with a mysterious blonde sleeping next to him. This is information Tyyrell wisely does not share with Meena while he is on the phone with her. We eventually find out that the mysterious blonde beauty is named Cecelia (Alissa Schneider). Cecelia happens to be the daughter of a notorious gangster named Charlie the Goatee. When word gets back to Charlie and his mob associates that Cecelia and Tyrrell shared a hotel room, Tyrrell quickly becomes public enemy numero uno. Charlie is so pissed with Tyrrell he even hires Japanese assassin Shota Kabu (Don “The Dragon” Wilson) to take out Tyrrell. I have had some bad days in my life, but never a ninja coming to kill me bad.

• Enter the Ninja: While Don “The Dragon” Wilson is not the star of Paying Mr. McGetty, I believe The Dragon stole the show. Fans of Wilson’s movies from the past will be relieved to know that Wilson still puts his martial arts prowess to good use in the movie, but Wilson also shows off a humorous side that was not evident in movies like Bloodfist or Ring of Fire. Wilson’s deadpan delivery and comedic timing was not something I was expecting from the greatest kickboxer that ever lived. I would file Wilson’s performance in Paying Mr. McGetty in the pleasant surprise category. Wilson moving into supporting roles and playing characters unlike those many action fans grew up watching is a strategy that has been utilized successfully by other action stars like Michael Dudikoff in Navy SEALS vs. Zombies and Jean-Claude Van Damme in movies like Enemies Closer and more recently Kickboxer: Vengeance. Seeing Wilson in this new light, has me wondering what other types of roles “The Dragon” may try in the future.

• The Verdict: With a not take itself too seriously tone and a romantic subplot in place, Paying Mr. McGetty gave off a vibe similar to The Big Hit . This action comedy was heavier on the comedy than it was the action, in fact almost all of the action was courtesy of  Don “The Dragon” Wilson, which makes sense since “The Dragon” was clearly the most qualified member of the cast to provide it. R. Marcos Taylor (who action fans may recognize as Amos from Netflix’s Luke Cage series) did get to mix it up a bit too, especially for the final showdown that takes place in Al Lang Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Rowdies professional soccer team.  If you want a pure Don “The Dragon” Wilson action flick, go back and watch Blackbelt, but if you want a totally unique Don “The Dragon” Wilson movie experience, check out Paying Mr. McGetty.

And if you want some of our patented bonus Bullet Points, just scroll down…

• Isn’t It Ironic?: While driving a delivery van for a dry cleaning company pays the bills, Tyrrell dabbles in the producing of rap music. I found this ironic since R. Marcos Taylor’s biggest movie role to date was playing the role of Suge Knight in Straight Outta Compton.
• Who is Mr. McGetty?: McGetty is the landlord of Tyrrell and Meena. We never actually see McGetty… kind of like Vera Peterson from Cheers.
• Favorite Scene: My favorite scene in the entire movie is when Shota goes into a “social club” which proved to be a hang out for assassins. It is there where we get to see Paul Logan portray one of Shota’s fellow hit men for hire. Logan’s name in the movie… Low-Gun. Get it?
• Familiar Face: Another familiar face in Paying Mr. McGetty was none other than Cynthia Rothrock. Rothrock’s cameo appearance featured her playing herself.