Puncture

Puncture (2011)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1582248/

Puncture is not your standard courtroom drama. Much in the vein of Erin Brockovich, the story splits focus between the ongoing case and the life of the lawyer trying it. Chris Evans plays Mike Weiss, a small-time, drug-addicted personal injury lawyer who lobs one in the face of the medical supply industry by championing a safety needle that the suppliers won't use because it costs too much money. His personal problems continue getting in the way of his partnership with Paul Danziger (played by one of the film's directors, Mark Kassen), and in the way of the case alongside safety needle inventor and client Jeffrey Dancort (Marshall Bell). Strong-armed and cast aside at every turn, Mark tries to find a way to battle both the corporate monster and his inner demons.




It seems evident to me that Chris Lopata drew a lot of inspiration from Erin Brockovich when writing this script. There are several similar characters, story elements and even specific events that take place that are strikingly similar. I think the movie would have been better served, however, by picking one main focus and sticking with it, be it the troubled life of Mike Weiss, or the megahuge antitrust case involving the medical supply industry. It feels like we didn't delve deep enough into Mike Weiss to find out why he's addicted to drugs, why his wife threatened him with a gun before demanding a divorce (and where did she go?!), or why he is haunted on a daily basis. We also don't know all that much about the case other than 800,000 American nurses and healthcare workers are accidentally stuck by needles every year, but the big companies won't fork over the cash for the better needles. It isn't until very near the end of the movie they finally add another element to the case - spread of HIV in Africa - to really get the litigation moving, but by that point it feels tacked on. Wouldn't a lawyer trying an antitrust case of this magnitude research every possible reason to avoid using standard needles? However, I do think the case we see in this movie is an important one, and I'm glad this movie was made, even if it only opens a few eyes. I like that they tried to create a presence more than a persona for Evans' character, and I thought most of the dialogue was meaningful.

I also have to say, color me impressed by the Brothers Kassen. I was worried at first, because I happened to look them up before watching the movie, and the only thing these guys have done prior to this film was reality TV. But hey, David Fincher did music videos before Seven, so I guess it's possible to find success in unlikely places. But don't get me wrong, David Fincher, these guys are not. Questionable camera angles and a horribly shaky camera really didn't fit in this movie. Also, I was very nervous when the opening shot of the movie was Chris Evans showing off his abs in his underwear. Luckily, I think it was just a hook and it actually did develop into something real. I admire some of the visual stylings they were going for: pulsing lens flares, dual focus shots, etc. Some of them worked, but others fell flat and looked amateurish. Hopefully they keep the good ones and avoid the bad and stick with making movies - I think they have potential.

Chris Evans really does have some chops (and abs!). He has shown himself to be a versatile actor, but he keeps going back to flashy projects like superhero movies. I'd love it if he stuck to small movies with some soul like this one, but I'd probably find it hard to turn down a massive paycheck and a chance to be an international superstar, too. He turns in a solid performance here with some real feeling, if maybe overreaching a bit at times. The ubiquitous hardass corporate lawyer this time around is played by Brett Cullen - a veteran at playing a dirtbag, and he plays it well. I always say, if you find yourself wanting to punch the character in the face, he's doing his job. And, as he's never done much before, I naturally hadn't heard of Mark Kassen, who, with his brother Adam, directed the film, but I thought he did a respectable job as the partner and straight man. Not too much charisma, but he's still better than Ashton Kutcher. One standout was Marshall Bell. Great job of playing the exhausted, defeated inventor, fueled only by his desire to see his needle implemented and start saving lives. Oh, and I can't end this without props to Michael Biehn. What an odd place for this action staple to show up, even if only for a 5 minute cameo.

Puncture is a cool flick. It has heart, and its cast turns in a nice performance. A solid first effort by the directors, and I hope they continue to improve. I also think it's important for people to be exposed to cases like the one in this film, even if only in an entertainment context. The real Paul Danziger was a co-writer of this movie, which may add a little bias, but also lets you know the basis of the story is real. And when you see the outcome at the end of the movie, it speaks volumes. This film didn't get a wide release, and I haven't seen anyone pushing the DVD, but check it out if you can, especially if you're into courtroom dramas. And if you're not a Chris Evans fan, maybe this one will change your mind.

Score: 7/10
Recommended: Yes