I just saw Max Payne movie on HBO last night. Having played (and loved) the game (though i waited over a year because i thought the premise was chessy), i have to say that the movie did a great job of capturing the spirit of the game..
I agree. I was surprised to find so many people online that didn't like it or even hated it. It was definitely reminscent of the first game. Maybe nobody remembers it anymore.
I liked it a lot more than that pushover Hitman movie from a few years ago.