Today’s quick review: The Hollow Point. Violence comes to a small Arizona town on the Mexican border when Ken Mersey (David H. Stevens), an ammunition smuggler for a Mexican drug cartel, kills his cartel boss and makes off with $250,000. It falls to the newly appointed Sheriff Wallace (Patrick Wilson) to hunt him down and bring him to justice before a ruthless cartel assassin (John Leguizamo) can make an example of Ken and everyone else involved.
The Hollow Point is a gritty crime drama that tests just how far a small-town sheriff is willing to go in the name of justice. Patrick Wilson stars as Sheriff Wallace, a stubborn police officer who returns to his hometown to take over for Sheriff Leland Kilbaught (Ian McShane), his trigger-happy predecessor. But to cope with the wave of violence gripping the town, the two men will need each other’s help.
The Hollow Point’s greatest draw is its intricate, unpredictable plot. Wallace’s investigation takes him all over town and back again as he tries to pick up Ken’s trail. The film gets plenty of mileage out of its characters; their secrets and interconnections form the raw material for the plot’s many twists. The story is backed by understated dramatic performances from the cast, while shocking bursts of violence give the movie its impact.
Still, The Hollow Point lacks the brilliance of the best crime movies. The plot is engaging but not mind-blowing, and its twists are not always set up well. The dialogue is credible but not profound, and the themes of violence and justice are only paprtially explored. And even in their best moments, the characters are not as charismatic or as memorable as the greats of the crime genre.
Those looking for a dark crime movie with a substantial plot should give The Hollow Point a shot. Though it lacks the star power and finesse of the best films in the genre, The Hollow Point makes a surprisingly strong showing of itself. Steer clear if you dislike gore or a bleak tone. For a dark, violent crime drama in a similar vein, try No Country For Old Men, Sicario, or Drive. For a darkly comedic take on a similar premise, try Fargo.
5.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for solid craftsmanship and a well-constructed plot.