
Puncture
2011, Drama/History, 1h 40m
42 Reviews 2,500+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
There's a compelling story at the heart of Puncture but viewers will have to pierce through the formulaic storytelling to find it. Read critic reviews
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Where to watch
Puncture Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Mike Weiss
Red
Vicky
Nathaniel Price
Stephany
Daryl King
News & Interviews for Puncture
Critic Reviews for Puncture
All Critics (42) | Top Critics (22) | Fresh (22) | Rotten (20)
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"Puncture" has the unusual problem of being almost too intriguing; its based-on-true-events story seems to cry out for documentary treatment.
November 3, 2011 | Rating: 3/4 -
"Puncture'' is based on an actual court case. But is this a story best served by focusing on the legal battle or the arc of Mike's flawed hero?
October 24, 2011 | Rating: 2/4 | Full Review… -
Evans works so hard to look like a drug addict that it undermines the character's effort not to look like one.
October 21, 2011 | Rating: 1.5/4 | Full Review… -
It's a thoughtful entry in the growing subgenre of whistle-blower dramas.
October 13, 2011 | Full Review… -
Even with a very-good lead performance, isn't memorable enough to recommend.
October 7, 2011 | Rating: 2.5/5.0 | Full Review… -
Evans's soulful performance keeps Puncture from overdosing on righteous indignation.
October 6, 2011 | Rating: 3/5
Audience Reviews for Puncture
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Jan 28, 2017There's a decent story and a strong central performance, but everything else is very average.Marcus W Super Reviewer
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Nov 30, 2015Not bad. Could have been much better, but I guess this is still worth checking out if you like legal movies or if you're a fan of Chris Evans.Stephen S Super Reviewer
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Nov 30, 2014A knockout performance from Chris Evans elevates what should have been a gripping true story but the writing is too ordinary and the pace drags too much to make it much more than average.Daniel P Super Reviewer
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Feb 09, 2013In "Puncture," Jaime's(Tess Parker) got a gun, which she is using to threaten her no-good husband Mike Weiss(Chris Evans), a personal injury lawyer. Otherwise, it's a pretty normal evening, with Daryl King(Jesse L. Martin) outsourcing cases to Mike and his partner in law, Paul Danziger(Mark Kassen, who directed with Adam Kassen). Their latest case involves Vicky(Vinessa Shaw), a nurse, who after being accidentally pricked by a contaminated needle, contracted AIDS. They cannot help her since she is collecting workers' compensation but they can help her friend, Jeffrey Dancort(Marshall Bell), an engineer, who has developed a single use safety needle. In response, Paul has to remind Mike not to go on a fishing expedition, especially if it involves a white whale. "Puncture" is an object lesson in that just because a movie is based on a true story, it does not exempt it from being cliched or that it will automatically make for a compelling story, coming off as turgid as it does. For example, it is anti-drug, but only in the way that using them looks really boring. As far as the safety needles go, while this is a valid issue, they only provide enough substance for an excellent PSA, a passable episode of 'Leverage' or a decent documentary; forget a narrative film. And I've seen Chris Evans do quality work elsewhere when not wearing spandex, but he can do little right in this complex role. That leaves overqualified bit players like Vinessa Shaw and Kate Burton with the movie's best moments.Walter M Super Reviewer
Puncture Quotes
Vicky: | ust because we can't really get over the dark parts, doesn't mean we can't get to the good ones. Sometimes, the brightest light comes from the darkest places. |
Vicky: | Just because we can't really get over the dark parts, doesn't mean we can't get to the good ones. Sometimes, the brightest light comes from the darkest places. |
Nathaniel Price: | I bet you spent your whole life believing that you, you were born to do something great, make a difference, do something special. Important. But Michael, it's the most ordinary thought anybody ever had. |
Mike Weiss: | I'll see you in court. |
Nathaniel Price: | Well, it might be difficult since your client and partner already accepted the offer. |
Mike Weiss: | You're right. You might have settled with them, but you haven't settled with me. I'm gonna travel the country making every hospital worker who's ever been infected by a needle stick my client. Every mother who's lost a child, every child who's lost a parent...I'm gonna put them on the stand, and I'm gonna tell them your client has a needle that could have prevented it from ever happening, but he keeps it locked up because it costs too much to make. Trust me, you're about to see just how ordinary I can be. |
Nurse Vicky Rogers: | sometimes the brightest light comes from the darkest places. |
Nurse Vicky Rogers: | Sometimes the brightest light comes from the darkest of places. |
Mike Weiss: | You might have settled with them, but you haven't settled with me. |
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