Point Blank (2019 film)

Point Blank

Company type	Film
Industry	Film industry
Founded	2019 (2019)
Founder	Joe Lynch (director), Adam G. Simon (writer)
Products	Action thriller film

Point Blank is a 2019 American action thriller film helmed by director Joe Lynch and penned by Adam G. Simon. This production serves as a remake of the 2010 French original and features performances by Frank Grillo, Anthony Mackie, Marcia Gay Harden, Teyonah Parris, Boris McGiver, and Markice Moore.

The movie debuted on Netflix on July 12, 2019.

Plot

During a violent shootout that results in the death of District Attorney Joshua Gregory, Abe Guevara becomes involved and sustains injuries after being struck by a vehicle while fleeing. He is admitted to the hospital where ER nurse Paul Booker tends to him. In an attempt to force Paul into assisting with Abe's breakout, Abe’s brother Mateo abducts Paul’s pregnant wife, Taryn, aiming to resolve a debt owed to the crime boss Big D.

Paul collaborates with Abe to facilitate his escape, during which Abe discloses possession of a flash drive containing evidence of police corruption. The duo then attempts to evade detectives Regina Lewis and Eric Masterson, who are actively investigating the incident. After enduring several attacks and firefights—including one at a car wash—they seek aid from local mobster Cheetah. However, Lewis intervenes, killing both Masterson and Cheetah, exposing her own complicity in corrupt activities.

Lewis captures Taryn to manipulate Abe and Paul further. Mateo suffers fatal injuries before meeting up with them. Utilizing surveillance footage that implicates Lewis, Abe strikes a deal with Big D to settle his outstanding debt. Amidst a planned diversion outside the police station, Paul and Abe manage to rescue Taryn, who gives birth during the ensuing turmoil. Following Abe’s exposure of Lewis’s corruption on live television, she is fatally shot by law enforcement.

One year later, Paul and Taryn commemorate their son’s first birthday, naming him Matty as a tribute to Mateo. Meanwhile, Abe observes from afar before departing in a vehicle pursued by a black SUV.

Cast

• Anthony Mackie portrays Paul Booker, an ER nurse who partners with Abe.
• Frank Grillo plays Abe Guevara, a criminal seeking to repay his debt to gang leader Big D.
• Marcia Gay Harden appears as Lt. Regina Lewis, an officer involved in corruption.
• Teyonah Parris takes on the role of Taryn Booker, Paul’s expectant wife.
• Boris McGiver acts as Eric Masterson.
• Christian Cooke is Mateo Guevara, Abe’s younger brother and accomplice.
• Markice Moore embodies Big D, a gangster with ambitions of becoming a film director.

Production

The project was announced in June 2018 with Joe Lynch directing and leads Frank Grillo and Anthony Mackie attached. By July 2018, additional cast members including Marcia Gay Harden, Teyonah Parris, Boris McGiver, and Markice Moore were confirmed, followed by the addition of Christian Cooke in August. Filming commenced on August 6, 2018, in Cincinnati, featuring locations such as the lobby of the historic Dixie Terminal building for significant scenes.

Release

The film became available on July 12, 2019.

Reception

On Rotten Tomatoes, Point Blank holds an approval rating of 41% based on 34 critical reviews, reflecting mixed opinions with an average score indicating mediocrity. The consensus highlights its energetic action sequences but critiques its narrative depth. Meanwhile, Metacritic assigns a score of 37 out of 100 from seven critics, signaling generally unfavorable feedback.

Brian Tallerico from RogerEbert.com awarded the film 2 out of 4 stars, praising its action choreography while pointing out that plot developments and shallow characterizations hinder viewer investment.