Mikes Film Talk

The 2016 Action/Thriller/Mystery The Hollow Point is more than just a Noir film set on the border. It is about desperation, trying to get a break and survival. It is also about borders. Walking along them, staying clear of them and, ultimately, crossing them.

The Hollow Point Story

A small town sheriff shoots a “runner” a man who seems to be carrying “cop killer” rounds of ammunition. Wallace, the sheriff’s replacement, is a local lad returned. He is not highly thought of. In fact three different people call him an a**hole in fairly rapid order.

Wallace stumbles into the ammunition smuggling racket and things get incredibly dark. During his journey in this small border town, he loses some things. But, more importantly, he gets something back.

The Hollow Point Main Cast

Patrick Wilson is Wallace.

Ian McShane is Leland.

John Leguizamo is Atticus.

Lynn Collins is Marla.

Jim Belushi is Shep Diaz.

Karli Hall is Lilli.

All the actors knock this one out of the park. You can almost smell the whiskey on McShane’s breath as Leland. Wallace, does indeed come across as a bit of an a**hole; Wilson nails his character. Leguizamo though, he comes darn close to stealing this one.

As does the smaller more disgusting role of Belushi’s used car salesman; Shep.

It Works

The Hollow Point, written by Nils Lyew and helmed by American Star director Gonzalo López-Gallego is almost pure Noir. Along the lines of anything done by the Coen Bros; think specifically though of Blood Simple. This border tale is nothing like Fargo, although, the story itself features folks trying to get ahead financially.

The film is a combination of scary, awkward, funny, sad and bloody. Wallace is cinematic kin to Ash from The Evil Dead. He loses an important part of his anatomy but, like the hero from Sam Rami’s horror-verse, Wallace perseveres.

In Between the Lines

Leland is the former sheriff. He is older, an alcoholic and crosses the line repeatedly. He knows he is damned. The man is trying to right the scales, though, one bullet at a time.

Wallace, who lost Marla to another man years ago, tries to fill Leland’s shoes. He is the new lawman in the town. Wallace’s battle is severe and harsh. It says much for his fortitude that giving up is not in his vocabulary.

Marla does not relish the possibility of Wallace being back in her life. But ultimately, she does seem open to the idea.

Atticus and Lilli. A power couple to fear. He is the assassin with the list and she helps him to cross those names off. She is delusional and Atticus?

He is downright scary. Halloween’s Jason scary, if you know what I mean. This hitman needs no mask, his frozen expression of determination is enough to make you run.

The Verdict

The Hollow Point is a solid 4.5 stars. The action moves well, just slow. As is the want of most Noir films. Wallace, Leland and Marla get where they need to be though. It satisfies.

Especially the fate of the “Stupid” villain; Shep Diaz. *Kudos to Belushi for making Shep so unpleasant. When he and Marla are digging up the money, the second time, he is sweaty and disgusting. His gasping line of “I think, we’re about one minute into your time darlin,” make your flesh crawl.

The film can be streamed on Roku and Fawesome for free.

The Trailer