Puncture (2011)

Powerful

Plenty to Like, Plenty to Dislike

It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

I admit the true story behind "Puncture" is compelling. However, there's not much here that raises this film above any other typical courtroom drama. The acting is fine and the writing is OK, but movie is not intellectually stimulating. It's just an admirable film about a maddening character and a hugely unjust medical system that leaves its own puncture wounds. There's even something of a surprise ending, but again it doesn't elevate to authentic plateau of significance. Film lacks more depth, but it moves and produces a nicely alluring. Those with a taste for these kind of flicks or fans of Evans (Brett Cullen also was wonderful as palpably oily corporate lawyer on the other side of legal case) will enjoy this one, others ..who knows. Rating: 7-/6+ ('cos I like these kind of flicks)

"Puncture" has all the subplots, complications, reversals, and other necessary ingredients for suspense. It also has some startling revelations to make about the spread of AIDS, the greed of the health care industry, and general state of the American legal and political systems. However, we aren't shown enough for this film to be really illuminating, and it's hard to tell where the facts end and where the fiction begins.Too much time is spent on the details of Weiss's drug addiction and wild lifestyle, time that would be better devoted to the complexities of Weiss and Danziger's case against United Medical. We're asked to believe that Weiss--a real-life character--was, despite his many faults and weaknesses, a brilliant legal mind, yet there is nothing here that really bears that out. We get only brief glances at the public demonstrations and negative publicity against the healthcare providers, and more in such areas would help. Other scenes which introduce new (and important) characters are hurried and not quite earned.Some good acting here, but unfortunately, the best of it's not from the top stars. Evans and Kassen (as the attorneys) just don't seem in-character, and much of their dialogue sounds flat and rehearsed. The really impressive role-playing comes from Vinessa Shaw (whose character deserves a lot more time in this story) and Marshall Bell as the clients in the case.Underdeveloped as it is, "Puncture" remains a different sort of legal thriller and one that fans of this genre will likely find both intriguing and fairly enjoyable.

Honestly, I just went through 10 minutes of trying to figure out my account and password just to say that:THIS MOVIE WAS VERY GOOD. It was a nice break in the typical things Hollywood has been pumping out and centered on a true story with a meaningful storyline. Mark acting is very good and I just love that his character was someone with flaws that many of us can relate to. His character is an addict and while I wish no one was even an addict, it's nice that this guy wasn't painted over as a "great" guy. I've been telling many of my friends on FB to go watch it if they haven't already. -Holl

I have to be as honest as possible here: the only reason I came to discover this little indie gem was because of Chris "Steve Rogers/Johnny Storm" Evans participation on it. It was one of those lazy, hot weekend nights, just returning from a much needed bar-hopping experience with some good friends, a little wasted and with no sleep whatsoever in the horizon. Clicked on the online services I happen to subscribe and browsed aimlessly, looking for something to entertain myself waiting for Morpheus' call. Saw a picture of Mr. Evans on the cover, looking all somber and bleak, sporting a beard, holding a needle on his hand. Well, the first thing I thought about was "well, folks, I bet Evans is on total Nic-Cage-on-crack mode; this must be fun to watch". And I have clicked on to start. Boy, and I was wrong. The movie is everything except Evans going haywire and stuff. A highly enthralling and interesting subject, supported by an excellent cast and compelling drama, "Puncture" makes a louder thud than anything a few bearded fatsos could dream of, simply by presenting facts and giving us characters we care about. Evans is at his best, aided by the co-director Mark Kassen, the surprisingly restrained Marshall Bell and Bret Cullen in their task to raise some questions. I suggest to watch this precious movie back-to-back with "The Constant Gardener". That aspirin will never be the same again.