Point of No Return (1993)

“Why do you talk so dirty, Maggie?” 12 July 2021

Bridget Fonda is Maggie, a drug addict caught up in a pharmacy robbery.  She’s arrested, but gets something of a reprieve when a covert government agency takes notice and decides to train her for a life of secret, deadly missions.  Eventually, however, Maggie’s desire for a “normal” life complicates things and puts her in danger.

Even though I generally enjoy Point of No Return, much of what I’m about to write will sound just the opposite.  I find it much easier to discuss my issues with the film.  First, even though I always found Bridget Fonda an enjoyable, talented actress, I’m not sure she’s physically imposing enough to realistically pull off some of the stunts she’s asked to do in this movie.  Scenes of her taking down trained bodyguards or assassins twice her size don’t really ring true.  Second, the training sequences where Maggie goes from drug-addled to world-class super-spy aren’t nearly enough to explain the transformation.  Other than a lesson in table manners from Anne Bancroft, we don’t get much detail on Maggie’s conversion.  And third, the bits with Dermot Mulroney - ugh.  The “proposal” scene is the worst.  Mulroney’s character is so annoyingly written, it’s a real distraction to the rest of the film.  

Having said all that, Point of No Return isn’t without some nice moments.  The hotel fight sequence (as is the case with most of the movie) is beautifully filmed, ending with a nice jump to safety.  Fonda’s acting ability is another highlight.  There’s a small bit where she sheds a tear because of the predicament she’s in that’s a top-notch piece of acting.  Next, I’ve got to agree with most everyone else who has written about Point of No Return - Harvey Keitel is awesome.  It’s a small role, but few actors could make so much out of it.  Really good stuff.  

In the end, it’s not great, but Point of No Return features enough fun set-pieces, Keitel’s memorable character, and Fonda’s solid performance to make it better than average.  It’s no Nikita, but it’s a decent enough time-waster.  

6/10