Guns Up

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.

I don't get the low rates here. It's a Kevin James movie. What did you expect? Scarface? The Godfather? The guy is a comedian and usually stars in movies that aren't that serious and probably never win a Oscar, but at least they will always be entertaining and enjoyable.

And this movie fits exactly into that mold. Nothing fancy, no extremely deep character development, no deep story, no AAA acting, none of that. Just a movie to put on while you are bored and you don't know which movie to pick. Pick this one, don't expect AAA and you will have a great time. Its fun, enjoyable and it's a good action comedy.

This movie is a bit of a mix between Nobody and a variety of generic action movies. Kevin James is an ex cop who become a mob collector because it pays more apparently...

Its establish early that this criminal organization do have a code and are not "evil" compare to usual criminals. But then there is an hostile take over and the new boss is completely the opposite. Kevin James was about to quit but now this new evil mobster won't let him.

There is a few turns and twist and the movie has some very decent action scenes, but a fair chunk of it definately show that its a low budget direct to VOD type of action movie (even tough it may have had a limited theatre run).

The odd pairing of Christina Ricci and Kevin James had its moments, and for some reason Rusev from WWE is also in it in an enforcer role. Overall its a decent movie, while not doing anything original and surely not reaching the fun of Nobody or the action polish of John Wick.

If you have an occasion to watch it on Netflix, Prime or any streaming service you already pay for, its totally fine as a pop corn saturday night movie.

Fun, family-friendly action flick, blends action, drama, and family dynamics ideal for a popcorn night.

Unfortunately, The Trailer to "Guns Up" gives away MOST of the plot and a main twist - AVOID - The Trailer and go straight to the movie!

Action comedy featuring Kevin James as an ex-cop turned mob collector seeking a fresh start for his family, with a cast including Christina Ricci, Luis Guzmán and Joey Diaz.

Written and Directed by Edward Drake, it's a solid, entertaining watch, the storyline is engaging but not groundbreaking, with some forced dialogue and a twist that will feel predictable!

While the plot starts slow, it delivers surprises, decent dialogue, and well-choreographed action. Kevin James shines, balancing serious and comedic roles, though the film leans back toward his comedic roots unevenly.

Brendan Galvin's - Cinematography choices - excellent - as most of the filming is shot at night - so none of that "new age gotta be all dark" - instead, nighttime shots blend and transition well into the indoor scenes.

Aside from having to believe that Kevin James can last an entire fistfight without collapsing from exhaustion, this film leaves much to be desired.

If it's a comedy, I couldn't tell because there were no funny parts. If it's an action movie, why is Kevin James the star? How many tanks of oxygen were on hand to make sure he didn't pass out? Surely there were more donuts, but that's another story.

There's an absolutely ridiculous twist that feels forced in with an atomic shoehorn.

I give this film zero pairs of underpants from the big and tall man's shop run by Thornton Melon and his driver Pauly.