Branin’s film plays out exactly like an episode of “The Twilight Zone” not in the sense that it’s scary, but it plays out like an episode based around morality and Karma. An aggressive hustler who basically dominates a basketball court is approached one day by a well dressed man who challenges him to a one on one match. The bet is so simple but so utterly life changing. If the hustler wins, he gets everything the young man has which includes a car, a house, and over 200 grand, if the young man wins, he takes the hustler’s life. Branin’s directing is utterly electric as he knows how to alleviate and build the tension not only between these two egotistic young men, but really keeps the audience watching while they battle on the basketball court.

Through black and white photography, and quick editing, “Shoot Out” is an engrossing piece of filmmaking that bases its story and themes around people getting their comeuppance. But the true twist of the story comes in the climax when we see how far these characters are willing to go to seal their debt and double cross each other. Sol and Bryant’s performances are strong and their dichotomous relationship with one another makes this above par effort in exploring morality worth it. Branin essentially asks, how far are you willing to go to prove yourself, how far are you willing to go to seek revenge, and can you ever be the same person knowing you're willing to murder to prove a point?

With a well drawn out story, and great acting, "Shoot-Out" and its tale of revenge and karma is a well crafted exceptional piece of filmmaking that makes use of its limited scenery and ends on a truly interesting note.

• For more information on "Shoot-Out", check out the official website: http://www.myspace.com/shootoutdvd

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