The Hollow Point

The illegal arms trade between the USA and Mexico is the basis for the story in this crime-thriller. It involves world weary policemen, a shady local businessman, a professional killer and the dusty environs of a small town in the American South. It put me in mind of the recent Cold in July (2014) in its tone, feel and setting. Both films share quite well drawn characters and sudden scenes of strong violence. This one benefits quite a bit from a very fine cast, where we have Patrick Wilson and Ian McShane as a couple of police officers, both of whom have their own internal demons. McShane in particular seems to be having a lot of fun here and gives a very lively performance that is very good value. We also have John Leguizamo and James Belushi as the bad guys of the piece; the former doesn't perhaps get to do much more than exert an ominous physical presence (although he does it well), while Belushi is given his most interesting role in years in which he makes the most of.

The story-line is fairly complex at times, with a variety of characters interconnecting with each other in different ways. But I don't think the story is really the main selling point in this one. It does have some thrilling visceral moments for sure but this one ultimately is best enjoyed as a character-driven genre effort. A very solid and well-executed genre piece on the whole.

Think of an indie waterered down no country for no men, I went in with no expectations and actually enjoyed the tone, acting and storytelling.

If you like medium paced small town cartel driven movies with well written action set pieces, this one's for you.

'The Hollow Point (2016)', a relatively low-budget and non-descript neo-western, includes a couple of riskily ballsy surprises, relies on a few entertainingly scene-chewing performances and is absolutely beautifully shot (I seriously can't stress how staggeringly good the flick looks considering its size and stature). However, its narrative is so haphazardly constructed and lacking in almost any form of thematic through-line that it's actually quite a challenge to even understand how each element of the plot ties together, let alone become invested in any of the story's events or the characters caught up in them. Seriously, there are several core players whose importance doesn't become apparent until very late in the game. For example, the lead love interest isn't established as such before the third act and, even then, her connection with the protagonist isn't ever explored. There are also times when people are introduced in the very same scene during which they play a major part in a plot-point that asks you to either care about or previously know them. It's really this fragmented feel that kills the piece's pacing and reduces audience engagement, as it transforms the affair into an utterly passive and, at times, frankly frustratingly confusing experience. It ultimately lacks a point and is generally pretty hollow. 4/10.

6/19/18. I thought it would be all right because Patrick Wilson was in it. But, I guess everyone is entitled to making a dud every once in awhile. Could have been better.

This is a dark, dark,modern western which so nearly works. Set in an Arizona border town that time has forgotten a collection of flawed characters fight and die over the illegal smuggling of lethal ammunition across the border to fuel the relentless cartel wars. The movie though is more about mood and character studies; not all of these work but there is enough to keep the viewer engaged - at times I was reminded of noir movies of the 40's. Yes there are plot holes and continuity is sacrificed for the sake of action but when you compare it to some of the rubbish turned out on far bigger budgets featuring so called A List actors this is well worth the time.