Point Blank

Corrupt cops is something that have been around for a very long time. Most cops are of course good, and follow the law. But there are those cops that need extra money, or is addicted on drugs, gambling, or have other personal problems. I know that there are a lot of great cops out there, who would never let any criminal pay them. Unfortunately, some of them fall for temptation, and this give Police a bad image. When it comes to films that brings up the subject of corrupt cops, i have a favourite film that has turns 18 years old in November, but is still a damn good film. I am talking about the criminal drama Training Day, released in the year of 2001. Directed by Antione Fuqua, this film tells the story about Police Officer Jake Hoyt ( played really good by actor Ethan Hawke ) who is assigned for an evaluation headed by Detective Alonzo Harris ( brillant played by Denzel Washington, one of his best performances in his career ). Jake notice that Alonzo is very rough, but have a lot of contacts on the streets. But it becomes clear that Alonzo is doing criminal activities on his shifts, something Jake does not want to be a part of. Trainin Day is a really powerful film that brings up the subject of corrupt cops, but also how hard life is in the ghetto areas. If you have not seen Training Day, i suggest you buy this film on DVD or Blu Ray. This is one of those films that never age, because it is really well made and have fantastic acting performances from the whole cast. How many of you remember the actor Frank Grillo, from The Purge: Anarchy and The Purge: Election Year ? A damn good action actor, and he made those films so good. I decided to watch his Netflix film Point Blank, that is supposed to bring up the subject of corrupt cops. Is this another action highlight from Frank Grillo, or is he running out of ideas and try to do another genre instead ?

Abe Guevara ( Frank Grillo ) is caught in a shootout at a residental home that results the Death of District Attourney Joshua Gregory. He is chased as he is trying to be picked up by his brother Mateo Guevara ( Christian Cooke ), but is accidently hit by a car. Mateo is too afraid to stay around, and drives away. Abe ends up in hospital, where ER Nurse Paul Booker ( Anthony Mackie ) works, and is ready to help Abe. Suddenly, in the room that Abe is staying, Paul is attacked by Mateo. Lieutenant Regina Lewis ( Marcia Gay Harden ) try to get information from Paul, on the attacker. Since he was attacked, he is told to go home to his pregnant wife Taryn ( Teyonah Parris ). Unfortunately, Paul is not safe in his own home either, where he is knocked out and his wife Taryn is kidnapped. Mateo inform Paul that he will get his wife back, if he helps Abe get out of hospital. It seems that they have information on corrupt cops on a flash drive, that could destroy the lives of many well known people inside the Police organization.

If you have seen The Hitman´s Bodyguard with Samuel L. Jackson and Ryan Reynolds, then you are going to recognize yourself with Point Blank. Both films are filled with car scenes, action, but the biggest difference is that The Hitman´s Bodyguard is a funnier film. Now, if you enjoy simple action films, that rely more on delivering action scenes than plot, you might actually enjoy Point Blank ( this is a remake of the french film with the same name, have not seen the original ). This is a very simple film in many ways, that we have seen many times before. The best thing about this film is actually the chemistry between actors Anthony Mackie ( who most of you know from the Marvel Universe as the character Falcon ) and Frank Grillo ( who you should see in Beyond Skyline ) as the characters Abe Guevara and Paul Booker. Their scenes together helps this film become more entertaining, and i get a sense that they had fun making this film. I am also happy to say that legendary actress Marcia Gay Harden ( who i especially remember from the Clint Eastwood film Mystic River, a must see ) as the corrupt cop Regina Lewis. Her tough attitude and her stone cold look fits well with her character. Even if the action scenes works well, there is one thing i feel that this film could have done better. I would have liked some more effective comedy scenes thrown in here. Since the main characters works well, a good sense of humour would have helped the plot to become more enjoyable. The few moments when we are supposed to laugh don´t work very well, especially with gangster thug known as Big D, played by actor Markice Moore. He is not bad in any way, but the humour with his personality falls pretty flat. As an action film i still had a good time with Point Blank, if you just want to see gun battles, violence and car chases. Director Joe Lynch ( who directed the funny action horror film Mayhem ) clearly love action movies of the 80´s and 90´s, and manage to bring that time period back with his film. Not one of the better Netflix movies, but a good choice for a popcorn night.

Rating: DDD