I have been looking forward to this for over a month. I knew that it would not get a major release since it was in direct competition with the new (rated R, all Australian) Mortal Kombat movie.
So I was beyond thrilled that I could BUY (not just rent) Trigger Point for 14.99 on Itunes.
Verdict: 6.5/10
Why?
It gets 3 points for Barry Pepper's amazing performance. The director himself said this character (Nicolas Shaw) is inspired by John Wick. He is alone, a former warrior trying to restart his life in a small town. But unlike John Wick, there is no dead wife and no dog. (Although Nicolas Shaw does leave out a can of tuna for a pregnant stray cat.)
I will also give 0.5 of a point for his relationships. He is not a loner; he acts like a retired senior, hanging out at a cafe, talking to a young waitress (Janice, a single mother), and at a bookstore (owned by Irene, an elderly woman with a passion for tea.)
So that is 3.5 points.
Nicolas Shaw has flashbacks to a time when he was tortured by two figures (his memories come back little by little until he can recall their voices; one male, one female.) This is a running theme that adds depth and replaces the 'dead wife' aspect. He is mourning his past, his lost memories in the same way John Wick was mourning his wife. For this aspect alone I will add 2 points.
And for the main reason, we watch a Barry Pepper movie; gun! He has a collection of guns, makes his own gun, and of course, there is a sniper scene.
Now for the bad:
Fiona Shaw (played by Laura Vandervoort) who the heck is that? His wife, his sister, his daughter? (Minor spoilers: she is the female voice present when Nicolas Shaw was tortured. ) I have a feeling the bigger answer is being saved for a future movie.
As I said before John Wick was in mourning for his wife, while Nicolas Shaw is in mourning for his lost memories (since a certain bad guy had him convinced that he gave up names to save his own life.) This makes it difficult to sympathize with him as a character.
Does he clear his name? No.
Does he constantly mention how the torture incident 'ruined his life.'- yes.
Maybe that's my issue; what kind of life did Nicolas Shaw have before being forced into hiding?
Only a sequel can tell us.
So I was beyond thrilled that I could BUY (not just rent) Trigger Point for 14.99 on Itunes.
Verdict: 6.5/10
Why?
It gets 3 points for Barry Pepper's amazing performance. The director himself said this character (Nicolas Shaw) is inspired by John Wick. He is alone, a former warrior trying to restart his life in a small town. But unlike John Wick, there is no dead wife and no dog. (Although Nicolas Shaw does leave out a can of tuna for a pregnant stray cat.)
I will also give 0.5 of a point for his relationships. He is not a loner; he acts like a retired senior, hanging out at a cafe, talking to a young waitress (Janice, a single mother), and at a bookstore (owned by Irene, an elderly woman with a passion for tea.)
So that is 3.5 points.
Nicolas Shaw has flashbacks to a time when he was tortured by two figures (his memories come back little by little until he can recall their voices; one male, one female.) This is a running theme that adds depth and replaces the 'dead wife' aspect. He is mourning his past, his lost memories in the same way John Wick was mourning his wife. For this aspect alone I will add 2 points.
And for the main reason, we watch a Barry Pepper movie; gun! He has a collection of guns, makes his own gun, and of course, there is a sniper scene.
Now for the bad:
Fiona Shaw (played by Laura Vandervoort) who the heck is that? His wife, his sister, his daughter? (Minor spoilers: she is the female voice present when Nicolas Shaw was tortured. ) I have a feeling the bigger answer is being saved for a future movie.
As I said before John Wick was in mourning for his wife, while Nicolas Shaw is in mourning for his lost memories (since a certain bad guy had him convinced that he gave up names to save his own life.) This makes it difficult to sympathize with him as a character.
Does he clear his name? No.
Does he constantly mention how the torture incident 'ruined his life.'- yes.
Maybe that's my issue; what kind of life did Nicolas Shaw have before being forced into hiding?
Only a sequel can tell us.