REVIEW: TRIGGER POINT (2021)

By John Matrix on May 31, 2021

Run Time: 81 minutes
Rated: R
What to Expect: A lethargic thriller about a retired spy forced to come out of hiding.

Barry Pepper (Saving Private Ryan) and a host of veteran Canadian actors star in the low-energy actioner Trigger Point (2021). Excellent photography of fall scenery and a decent and committed lead performance cannot overcome the by-the-numbers spy story.

Assassin Fiona Shaw (an unrecognizable Laura Vandervoort) has killed the Central Intelligence Agency’s top deep-cover operatives. This action prompts seasoned CIA officer Elias Kane (Colm Feore) to contact disgraced agent Nicholas Shaw. Shaw has been living in a small town under the name Louis. The Agency shuns Shaw because he gave up confidential information under torture. He lives in a tricked-out country manor. Something that Arthur Bishop from The Mechanic (2011) would call home. The house has a fully stocked armory with firearms, switchblades, and assault rifles.

Elias wants Shaw to find the mastermind behind the assassinations. A person Elias believes is called Quentin and who may have tortured Shaw years earlier. Elias also wants him to find his daughter Monica Kane (Eve Harlow), who has gone missing. Shaw agrees to help. However, it is difficult to tell one’s friends from one’s enemies when it comes to spies.

Barry Pepper and Colm Feore are professional and convincing in their roles. Nevertheless, the action falls short. Post John Wick (2014), even in video-on-demand releases, audiences expect better, which means realistic fight choreography, competent editing, and proficient camerawork. For instance, in Trigger Point, it is not believable for the Nicholas Shaw character to have 100% accuracy in marksmanship and take out scores of Kevlar vest-wearing goons armed only with a Glock and silencer.

Trigger Point also feels truncated and abrupt. The sequel bait ending does not work and leaves audiences confused instead.

Despite all these shortcomings, Trigger Point is recommended for digital rental. The plot is apolitical and inoffensive. The runtime is short, and it makes a breezy time-filler.