‘A Clear Shot’ Entwines A Story from Several Perspectives

The year was 1991, and the largest hostage siege negotiation to ever take place in the United States occurred. A Clear Shot is inspired by the event and examines how law enforcement attempted to save the hostages. Sacramento police department negotiator Rick Gomez is played by veteran actor, Mario Van Peebles (New Jack City, Posse, and Panther) Having just transferred from vice squad, Gomez is new to hostage negotiation and treads carefully through his decision making as all eyes are on him and his actions. Peebles adeptly portrays a flawed but devoted lawman, as he is forced to balance upholding the law with his empathy for the young hostage-takers, who are also the sons of immigrants.

Having parents who came to America for a better life in common, leads Gomez to use that commonality in his negotiations, but his empathetic intentions are resisted by a trigger happy SWAT team. With the hostages held up in Good Guys Electronic Store, the SWAT team is looking to end this quickly. The movie sheds light on the moments inside of the store and portrays the four gunmen as the different individuals that they are but sharing a common goal of a better life. Director Nick Leisure does a good job framing this story for the audience’s ability to see all sides of this tragic event. Movie watchers will find themselves questioning who the bad guys are.

‘A Clear Shot’ weaves together the story of four desperate men who will do anything to make their dreams come true and the brave men and women who fight to save the lives of innocent people. The movie comes to DVD and Digital today, via Uncork’d Entertainment.

About Author

Mark Vodery

Mark Vodery was a Managing Editor of Occhi Magazine. A member of the National Association of Black Journalists, he studied Mass Communications at West Chester University. As an experienced session vocalist, he has toured the world and had several original works featured in film and television. Mark has been involved with several New York City projects including Feel the Music! and Make Music New York. An avid music lover, he takes pride in his extensive vinyl collection and spends his free time helping to facilitate service projects that benefit at-risk youth, through artistic philanthropy. Mark is based in New York and resides in New Jersey with his lovely wife and two daughters.

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