Started out well

The first 40 minutes or so are quite strong. Some complex characterizations, some good wit and a decent did he/didn't he hook. Then filmmakers trade in the complexities of the first act for a standard revenge/torture interrogation that lasts the remainder of the film. Dark comedy can be pulled from even the most taboo subjects, but it's a difficult thing to do. And playing merry music over cooking a drug laced cake is a cheap cop out and just one of many instances that show the filmmakers smug attitude. Attempting to get black humor from dialogue about blow torches and other acts of violence just comes across really weak and forced. It's the kind of detached, play it cool style of filmmaking that is condescending to the material. Once the torture plot kicks in, the film just goes on auto-pilot. This a lazy piece of filmmaking that could have gone in any direction after such a fantastic first act -- instead it went the most derivative route. And it couldn't even entertain on a B movie level and satisfy my bloodlust, because I could care less about any of the characters.