by Kristin Ciliberto, Contributing Writer
“Redemption” is the best word to describe Gigi Gaston’s latest film, 9 Bullets. Lena Headey stars as a former burlesque dancer-turned-author named Gypsy, who is working on her new book and discovers the opportunity of a second chance at life to risk everything to save her young neighbor Sam (Dean Scott Vazquez). Sam witnesses his parents’ murder, and he and Gypsy go on the run for their lives from the villainous local crime boss and her longtime ex-boyfriend, Jack (Sam Worthington). Gypsy makes a desperate attempt to get Sam to safety as she takes him under her wing and embarks on a road-trip thrill ride. The film also stars La La Anthony, Barbara Hershey, Cam Gigandet, Cornelia Guest, and Marlene Forte.
Written and directed by Gaston, who previously worked on films such as 2001’s Rip It Off, 9 Bullets takes audiences on a new thrill ride. It is thrilling? Not exactly! Her film is clichéd, very predictable, and not 100% original. She tries to make the film gripping with it’s thrills, but it looses steam after Sam’s parents die at the beginning of the film. There are also some random subplots and plot holes that do not connect or make any sense. Editing choices and various transitions throughout the film were also questionable.
Gaston’s film focuses on the character of Gypsy, who is given a second chance at life, given the previous life she had lived, allowing the film to explore the theme of redemption. Headey is most known for starring in the hit and one of the most popular cable shows of all time, Game of Thrones as Cersei Lannister. In 9 Bullets she brings a strong female character to the audience, and with a very powerful performance. She gives a committed performance and has a sweet connection with her young co-star, who brings an adorable puppy along for the ride. For a young actor, Vazquez brings plenty of emotion to his performance and he complements Headey’s character.
Worthington, who is known for starring in heroic roles in films such as Avatar and Clash of the Titans, plays a somewhat convincing villain. In this particular role, his character comes off as a redneck gangster with an accent, and he gives it his all. I genuinely enjoyed seeing Worthington in the role of a villain, and feel he should be presented with more of these opportunities.
Due to the confident performance from Headey and her other co-stars, 9 Bullets will keep audiences satisfied; however, many won’t be thrilled with its familiar premise and outcome.
Score: 5/10
This was very charitable. She takes a dog and sleeps with her murderous EX…makes no sense at all…almost like a turn written by the Hacks at GOT. There is no action. The bad guys are plain stupid. Why are her neighbors involved with her Ex who lives 1000 miles away!?!? There is cliched KID in trouble stuff everywhere and let’s face it…a BURLESQUE DANCER!?!? Please…stripper.