¡Armados!

Edward Drake delivers one of the most entertaining films of his filmography. The director and screenwriter, who worked constantly with Bruce Willis during the actor's later years, delivers a simple, straightforward yet effective film thanks to the committed cast at his disposal.

Kevin James's new role as a more serious actor bears fruit, especially in his time as a hitman. Here, he delivers all his usual charisma in a role with subtle comedic overtones that give it an added bonus. He's joined by Christina Ricci, who excels in her role as a hit machine. We also add the always efficient Luis Guzmán as a hilarious supporting actor.

It's a film that has its own small charm and works quite well as a diversion without major expectations. It has enjoyable action sequences and subtle, somewhat dark humour that embellish this action-packed, bullet-riddled film into a pleasant enough weekend watch.

Furthermore, it's a small film among this summer's blockbusters, but it still delivers exactly what it promises without any major complaints. A familiar story, with touches of humour and decent action sequences, seal the success of Guns Up.

This movie is absolutely a film that will be watched by people. The characters are played by actors who act out their parts while in character. One thing that most people probably won't point out about this movie is that it has a run time. Kevin James is in it and he's acting, in character. Christina Ricci and Luis Guzman also have parts as their characters who are entwined within the story. The director did his job in directing this film and as you can see he followed it through to completion. One other thing that's worth pointing out is that the location scouts and costume designers for this film also had a job that they did as well. I have to say that I absolutely 100% acknowledge that this is a movie that people worked on and made. Their hard work and dedication may be something that exists for them and that they are proud of. So, if you like movies, this definitely is one.

I'm still watching this movie in theater. I'm the only person here at a Saturday evening showing in the 1st week and I understand why. This movie does technically everything correct but it's a rehash of stereotypes from mediocre gangster and cop movies.

If it would be at least trying to imitate good movies it would be better but it doesn't. It does seem like a mid season episode of a second tier crime TV show.

Every character explains their motivations and history in the clearest and plain way, so that absolutely everyone understands is i. It is as subtle as a sledge hammer.

I can imagine it to be cool if You are a teenager and don't know to many of these movies. It has a few nice laughs.

*** Very mild spoiler ***

After finishing the movie: The third act takes a turn to the better, but still on a low level.

"comedy/action"- I was waiting the whole time to laugh, the only reason we watched was for comic relief. For side jokes. Luis Guzman is the only saving grace.

But, truly, who wanted this movie? Who asked for it? We'll never know. Did KJ fund it for himself to try out a different kind of role? Story line? Boring. Interest in the characters? Non-existent.

Kevin James is not a serious action star- he should stick to comedy-action not anything remotely seriously leaning unless it's emotional seriousness later in a film (believable growth). No one will ever watch this man in a serious role even hinting as seriousness- it's not typecasting, either- he's just not good at it. I don't care if you make him bald with a cool beard, he's not good at being a serious action star/agent/etc.

Christina Ricci should fire her agent for putting her in this film. On the height of Yellowjackets, you waste her in this total nonsense plot? ZERO chemistry with Kevin James, ZERO- so there was no character love for her at all either in this movie. Oh, she's like him too... who cares. So very disappointed she put herself through this when she's capable of incredible acting in roles that suit her. Weird movie, overplayed and uninspiring story line, not funny either. Why.

Now, as I stumbled upon this 2025 action comedy titled "Guns Up" and seeing that it had Kevin James in the lead, of course I had to check it out, even without ever having heard about the movie.

Writer and director Edward Drake put together a rather enjoyable and entertaining script. It was a nicely written storyline that contained a lot of action, laughs and also character building. So it was a nice movie to sit through.

The acting in "Guns Up" was good. And with the likes of Kevin James, Christina Ricci and Luis Guzmán in the movie, of course you're in quite capable company.

With "Guns Up" being an action comedy, of course there was action in the movie, and I will say that the action sequences were nicely choreographed and executed on the screen.

This is definitely a movie that I will say is worth sitting down and spending 92 minutes on watching.

My rating of writer and director Edward Drake's 2025 movie "Guns Up" lands on a well-deserved six out of ten stars.