**_“Die Hard” at a hospital with a female protagonist_** An Irish crime family takes over a hospital in Washington (state) when the heir of the business is wounded in a clash with law enforcement. A doctor with military experience helps authorities from the inside (Leah Gibson). Jon Voight is on hand as the Irish ‘Godfather.’ “Mercy” (2023) is a snappy crime thriller in the mold of “Die Hard,” just with a lower budget and a kick-axx woman in the top role instead of Bruce Willis. Speaking of whom, Leah Gibson shines here and is one of the main reasons for seeing this minor flick that cost $5 million. The only other film I’ve seen her in is “The Devil’s Ground” from 14 years prior where she had the same distinctive doe-eyed face, but with a stick figure; she’s thankfully filled out over the years and looks great in tight jeans. Her beauty is well displayed throughout without getting sleazy. Another positive is that “Mercy” is pro-Conservative. Critics are too hard on it seeing as how it delivers the goods if you’re in the mood for a quick action thriller. The movie is short-n-sweet at 1 hour, 25 minutes, and was presumably shot in the Seattle area (you can see the Space Needle in the distance). I say ‘presumably’ because I can’t find specifics on the locations. GRADE: B-
