Apparently, we’ve all been clamoring for a Max Payne movie.  Twentieth Century Fox is in negotiations with former Funky Bunch frontman Mark Wahlberg to play the title role in the film adaptation of the Rockstar action game.  John Moore (Behind Enemy Lines, The Omen) is already signed on to direct.

The last time Mr. Wahlberg was involved with a video game property: Not so good. 

For those that don’t remember all the way back to 2001, Max Payne was the first game to use “bullet time”, the John Woo-inspired slow-motion effect that is now so prevalent in action shooters.  It was a great game for its time, and certainly one of the most influential titles of the decade, but let’s face it, that was six years ago.  Even the sequel, Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne was released way back in 2003, and the planned third installment was cancelled.  It’s more than a little surprising that an older title like this is getting the green light for a major motion picture release when more recent games (Halo, Gears of War, Metroid, etc.) can’t seem to find their Hollywood feet.

Regardless, Max Payne was an awesome title with an engaging storyline that should translate well to film.  Likewise, Mark Wahlberg has shown that he has the acting chops to carry a role like this.  I gotta say, despite some head scratching as to why it’s being made now, I find myself looking forward to this movie more than the upcoming Hitman movie.  If nothing else, we can all breathe a sigh of relief that Uwe Bol is in no way involved.