Black Point

Rating:
Summary: Recycled Crime Drama
Review: "Black Point" was an enjoyable watching experience. Thomas Ian Griffith from "Hollow Point" and "Excessive Force" plays the heavy Gus & also gets a screenwriting credit. The plot is intricate enough to keep our attention, but not unique enough to be memorable. David Caruso as the ex-Vet John Hawkins displays his usual intensity. Currently riding high as Horatio on "CSI Miami," Caruso never really seems to play a different character, but is certainly good at the gritty realism which he brings to the role. "One Life to Live"'s Susan Haskell is beautiful and comes across as innocent and crafty, which is an interesting mix. It was never clear to me why she winds up in jail since all of her actions were done in self defense. Thus, the ending was not satisfying for me. The issue of brutality against women where the husband beats her and rapes her is used more as a plot mechanism than a real issue in the film; for me that is a major flaw. The smaller roles are well done, the sheriff, the deputy, and Bear, the best friend. For those who like the crime genre, David Caruso is the reason to watch. While the film is not the most original one you're likely to view, it's a good evening's entertainment. Enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: Recycled Crime Drama
Review: "Black Point" was an enjoyable watching experience. Thomas Ian Griffith from "Hollow Point" and "Excessive Force" plays the heavy Gus & also gets a screenwriting credit. The plot is intricate enough to keep our attention, but not unique enough to be memorable. David Caruso as the ex-Vet John Hawkins displays his usual intensity. Currently riding high as Horatio on "CSI Miami," Caruso never really seems to play a different character, but is certainly good at the gritty realism which he brings to the role. "One Life to Live"'s Susan Haskell is beautiful and comes across as innocent and crafty, which is an interesting mix. It was never clear to me why she winds up in jail since all of her actions were done in self defense. Thus, the ending was not satisfying for me. The issue of brutality against women where the husband beats her and rapes her is used more as a plot mechanism than a real issue in the film; for me that is a major flaw. The smaller roles are well done, the sheriff, the deputy, and Bear, the best friend. For those who like the crime genre, David Caruso is the reason to watch. While the film is not the most original one you're likely to view, it's a good evening's entertainment. Enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: How Come I Never Heard of this Movie????
Review: I picked this movie up as a rental because nothing else in the store caught my eye at the time. I have always liked David Caruso for his on-screen believability and I was not disappointed here. This guy is a terrific actor who gets the viewer on his side, in spite of his sometimes outrageous behavior. I also remembered knowing that Susan Haskell had been (maybe still is) a soap star and thinking that she was attractive. I was right about that too...she is WAY attractive and also a very compelling actress.
This movie takes place in Alaska and Washington state and the Washington scenery is beautiful and the image quality of the DVD is superb. There are other great characters and several significant and totally unexpected plot twists that are pulled off without a hitch. The actors all work well together. Unlike many of today's movies, the plot, while somewhat far-fetched, is plausible and provides for some great opening action on which one side of the story hinges (3.5 million in stolen money.) The other story line involves an abused girlfriend (Haskell) and a broken ex tactical munitions expert (Caruso) who's 6 year old daughter was kidnapped 2 years previous. These two clearly need each other and how the money story becomes integrated with the beaten Haskell and Caruso make for the movies high tension level. Enough said of the story. If you want to see a very good movie with a taught plot, great acting, believable characters, several awesome twists without a fairy-tale ending, then this one's for you. With all the overblown, over-hyped, overly violent fare out there, I was happy to find this unexpected pleasure which far exceeded my expectations.

Rating:
Summary: How Come I Never Heard of this Movie????
Review: I picked this movie up as a rental because nothing else in the store caught my eye at the time. I have always liked David Caruso for his on-screen believability and I was not disappointed here. This guy is a terrific actor who gets the viewer on his side, in spite of his sometimes outrageous behavior. I also remembered knowing that Susan Haskell had been (maybe still is) a soap star and thinking that she was attractive. I was right about that too...she is WAY attractive and also a very compelling actress.
This movie takes place in Alaska and Washington state and the Washington scenery is beautiful and the image quality of the DVD is superb. There are other great characters and several significant and totally unexpected plot twists that are pulled off without a hitch. The actors all work well together. Unlike many of today's movies, the plot, while somewhat far-fetched, is plausible and provides for some great opening action on which one side of the story hinges (3.5 million in stolen money.) The other story line involves an abused girlfriend (Haskell) and a broken ex tactical munitions expert (Caruso) who's 6 year old daughter was kidnapped 2 years previous. These two clearly need each other and how the money story becomes integrated with the beaten Haskell and Caruso make for the movies high tension level. Enough said of the story. If you want to see a very good movie with a taught plot, great acting, believable characters, several awesome twists without a fairy-tale ending, then this one's for you. With all the overblown, over-hyped, overly violent fare out there, I was happy to find this unexpected pleasure which far exceeded my expectations.