Review of Puncture (2011) by Maksim B — 30 Mar 2012

Intriguing and different from the mainstream Hollywood productions, Puncture is a solid B-movie that represents the best features of the typical court and investigative thrillers, but in a sort of more down-to-earth way. Underrated by the critics and relatively unknown by the broad audience, Puncture is a fine example of a credible and compelling low budget delivery.

Based on a true story, this movie is a piece of classic social-activist-film making in which the battle between David and Goliath is centered around the corporate interest in the medical industry and the topic of safety needles. Despite trying to be a sort of B-movie Erin Brokovich drama, the safety needle issue is not as intriguing as many would have expected. It is the battle between a drug-addicted lawyer against the corporation that truly captivates the attention. Given the fact that the movie is based on a true story, it is very hard to speak about a classic climax or final twist, and that could disappoint some, as the ending is somehow murky and it never really becomes clear whether this was a tribute to a brilliant lawyer or the story of how some medical cartels were destroyed.

The most electrifying and captivating in Puncture is Chris Evans' absolutely dedicated performance. A Bohemian and a heavy-drugs user, his character is also a brilliant juridical mind who succeeds to bring something personal in the whole story. Evans' performance is extremely convincing and earns only positive nods, showing that he could deliver performance much more complex than his Captain America role for example.

Puncture is an absolutely underestimated movie, which should have received a better treatment by the critics and the audience. It is surely not a classic or an unforgettable delivery, but it will kept you intrigued and involved for its almost two hours.