If you are part of the small population of people that felt the need to see the Falcon and Crossbones of the MCU team up in a gritty action thriller, then Netflix has what you’re looking for. If like me, you aren’t exactly bothered about this partnership, then the level of expectation is as low as it can be for a Netflix original and lowering those expectations could be the smartest way to approach this movie.
Frank Grillo plays hardened criminal Abe, who on the run from a shootout, gets mowed down by an unsuspecting driver. Now in the care of male nurse Paul (Anthony Mackie), Abe’s younger brother Mateo (Christian Cooke) hatches a plan to get Abe out of the hospital and away from the detectives assigned to the case. Assaulting Paul and stealing his personal information, Mateo kidnaps his very pregnant wife Taryn (Teyonah Parris). In exchange for her, Paul has to extract Abe out of the hospital and to a secure location. Being a movie however, we know all too well that the operation is never likely to be that cut and dry. What follows is a choppy and fast paced shooter in which corruption, gangsters and unlikely heroes all play a part.
At this point it’s wildly acknowledged that Netflix struggle to create anything considered better than an average viewing experience. Unfortunately that stays true with Point Blank. Starting enthusiastically with a merciless Grillo in a fire fight and on the run with Black Flag’s – Rise Above playing out in the background. That same level of intense energy however, isn’t consistent with the rest of the movie.
There are flashes of potential littered throughout, starting with its lead performance. Grillo plays Grillo. It’s what we’ve come to expect from the actor but it never stops him from usually being the shining quality of every movie he appears, take this as no exception, as he makes Anthony Mackie’s performance feel incredibly tame in comparison. With that being said, if you are looking for something that showcases his one dimensional talent to perfection, then Netflix original ‘Wheelman’ does a far superior job.
As is the case at the moment, Point Blank is just another background movie. A few pew pew and punchy punchy moments to break up an otherwise unfulfilling, slow thriller. A bite sized movie, both with its runtime and overall execution. You wouldn’t be a fool for missing this one, but more disappointed if expecting something worthwhile.
Critical Clay 