Review by John Delia
The explosive crime thriller 10 Cent Pistol involves a robbery gone bad, a debt paid in blood and a mixed up romance that adds a nice twist for good measure. The movie’s one of those indies that come along once in a while and turn into gold on the screen. Extremely well written and directed by Michael C. Martin, the movie has plenty of twists and intrigue to entertain most adults.
Brothers in crime Easton (Damon Alexander) and Jake (JT Alexander) know how to work a heist, get a safe open and do jobs for a crime boss to receive good pay. Even when a job goes wrong, there’s always someone who seems to be there to get them off the hook or out of jail. On one occasion however, crime lord Punchy (Joe Mantegna) has Easton taking out some Russian mobsters in payment for a past personal debt. Easton ends up getting shot, but only after completing the favor. Thrown into jail on a lesser charge, Easton does 18 months. Upon his release the real story about what really happened begins.
The film takes several twits until the very explosive ending. Writer and director of 10 Cent Pistol, Michael C. Martin (Brooklyn’s Finest) takes his audience on a wild ride. He often works his magic by using flashbacks to tell how Easton and Jake arrived at being caught up in the main scheme. The film contains some strategic comic release, yet the urgent tone holds steady as the two find themselves escaping impending violence as they get deeper entrenched in a dangerous plan. Martin’s constant story movement throughout keeps the pace brisk and the fierceness predominant.
The Alexander brothers create characters that turn an ordinary crime into a minor massacre. Damon and JT come on strong showing their fine acting ability. They form realistic characters that are fun to watch because their Easton and Jake are very unpredictable. Although the two characters are brothers, they always disagree on how the job gets done. Damon gets a chance to show his romantic side when Easton meets Danneel (Jena Malone). She’s a smart woman who knows how to charm, so Easton finds the relationship tough going. JT’s character has his mind set on money, but when Jake realizes that Danneel can be helpful while Easton is serving jail time, things start to get complicated.
Support characters played by Jena Malone as Danneel and Thomas Ian Nicholas as Punchy’s son H-Wood help make the film a success. Jena always brings a lot to the table when she’s in a film. Best known for her character Johanna Mason in Hunger Games, here she steps up her career as a crafty femme fatal who plays both thieving brothers waiting for one to take all. As H-Wood, Thomas Ian Nicholas gives a very believable performance as the guy trapped in a no-win scheme. He finds himself between a rock and the hard spot with his father holding the power on one end and Easton defending himself on the other.
10 Cent Pistol has been rated R for violence, language throughout, some sexual references and drug use. Just a word of caution, the violence is very realistic and the language profuse.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Directing, acting and storyline make 10 Cent Pistol a good choice for adult viewing. (B)
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Damon Alexander, JT Alexander, Jena Malone, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Joe Mantegna, and Joseph Julian Soria
Directed by: Michael C. Martin
Genre: Crime, Thriller
MPAA Rating: Â R for violence, language throughout, some sexual references and drug use
Running Time: 1 hr. 30 min.
Release Date: July 24, 2015
Distributed by: eOne Entertainment