Paper Bullets

Plot

Jaded, hard-drinking, burned-out Det. John Rourke (James Russo) finds himself the target of a Los Angeles gang of Asians when he begins investigating mobster Yang (Francois Chan) and his connection to a violent, deadly attack on police during what should have been a secret meeting. Clearly, there's a mole in the force working with the mobsters. But Rourke's fate -- and future -- takes a turn for the worse when his son is taken hostage and his partner (Jeff Wincott) is discovered to be on the payroll of the bad guys. This can mean only one thing: A big shootout at an abandoned shipyard.

~ Buzz McClain, Rovi

Review

The serviceable plot is hardly original but it holds together several well-done action set pieces, including a lively finale involving speed boats. If fiery explosions and waterborne thrills are all that matter, then Paper Bullets will keep viewers engaged to the bitter end; the rapid-fire pace creates the impression that there is more here than meets the eye, and James Russo's tough-guy persona goes a long way in carrying the movie. It could have been better, and it's saying something that this is one of prolific B-director Serge Rodnunsky's best efforts despite the usual genre restraints -- it seems he was really trying this time, taking his time and letting his actors actually act instead of simply moving them around like so many knock-down targets. In short, Paper Bullets is not disagreeable for action fans, but it's best to know what one is getting into.

~ Buzz McClain, Rovi

Cast

James Russo - Det. John Rourke; Jeff Wincott; Francois Chan - Yang

Credit

Serge Rodnunsky - Director

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