It says so much about this TV movie that the cast members prioritized in marketing after the fact have at most parts that split the difference between lead and support. It maybe says even more that the finished feature opens with rapid-fire, overzealous cinematography and editing that is supposed to be a snapshot of scenes to come, but one can only react with quizzical bewilderment. There are points of cleverness in the scene writing and dialogue, yet these and the plot development are so scattershot that the feelings of bewilderment are absolutely sustained moving forward - not least as vague thriller vibes are stirred in irregularly, incompletely, and piecemeal with 90s college comedy-drama. Oh, and one-third of the way through, suddenly a new character is introduced. What is happening here? 'Kill shot,' also known as 'P. C. H.,' can be generously described as an oddity.
It doesn't know what tone it wants to strike. It doesn't seem to know what a protagonist is, or what the word "focus" means, as several characters we meet (but not all) have their own subplots. It works overtime to emphasize and sexualize women's bodies; the costume design is rather all over the place, even as it screams "90s!" I do appreciate the costume design, for that matter, and the hair and makeup work, but these only count for so much when weighed against questionable narrative and scene writing that force the cast to swerve between disparate moods without really finding their voice, especially star Jacqueline Collen. Other movies have zigzagged between far-flung notions with sufficient intelligence and dexterity to make it all count; this just seems like it can't figure out what it wants to be - which is especially strange since the plot is, after all, whole, cohesive, and coherent. It's a curious idea, but one with potential. That potential seems unmet, just kind of thrown to the winds.
For what it's worth, I think the cast make the most of what they're given, or at least try to; were the writing tighter and more meaningful, I can see how their performances, and their character's threads, would be more impactful. But 'Kill shot' zips between peppy comedy-drama, soap opera melodrama, and meager thriller airs with far too little sense of direction, if any. I don't specifically blame co-star Gianni Russo, for whom this represents his first writing credit, nor director Nelson McCormick, in only his second turn in that capacity. Yet both their contributions are so pointedly erratic and flimsy, with skills yet undeveloped, that all the best ideas and best effort of all involved can't really help this to get off the ground, attain prime viewer engagement, or have the desired effect.
It's not abjectly bad; I see what it could have been. There are certainly far worse films you could watch. Unless you're a major fan of someone involved, however, I'm not sure there's enough value here to warrant a view. If you're extra curious or bored, then have at it; if you're looking for something you can really sink your teeth into, maybe you're better off continuing your search. 'Kill shot' has some good plays, but it just can't carry the ball to the finish line.
