Guns Up

Despite featuring Melissa Leo & Luis Guzmán, light crime actioner "Guns Up" is still low-grade guff. Unable to afford to provide the life he wants for his kids (Keana Marie & Leo Easton Kelly) Kevin James goes from honest cop to henchman for code-following mob bosses Leo & Guzmán - but when nasty Timothy V Murphy takes over their firm James finds himself fighting for his own life, and those of his kids & wife Christina Ricci. Edward Drake's screenplay while silly has enough twists to keep it interesting, but his direction is flat and funny-man James just doesn't cut it as an action lead. Leo & Guzmán are top quality... but the rest of this b-movie is not (unsurprisingly).

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.

And away ... gone(s) away of sorts ... well no pun intended as always. This feels like it was written by a teenager - no offense even if it sounds like it. There are so many changes - highs and lows ... really tough to connect with the people/characters ... although I was pleasantly surprised with Kevin James - you may be more familiar with him as a comedian, but he can work in action movies too - as in serious and going for ... not his first foray into the action genre.

In the end though it seems to be going back to his ... comedic roots ... but not really in the best way possible. I like that there is a twist, though to be honest I kind of felt that there was more to that character anyway .. so that reveal was nothing special .. except that it kept undermining everything before. Suspension of disbelief is quite big with this one ... the delivery of very fine dialog feels forced too ... so while there are some bangers ... they don't hit home (or restaurant for that matter or whatever else) when they are spoken ... as is said in the movie itself: Everyone wants to be a lion, until they have to do lion sh... well this at least tries to do lion ... stuff, so I guess kudos for that.

Still you can have fun with this ... some liked this (friends of mine), others were left quite cold about it ... I was not too impressed to be honest, neither super disappointed ... although I would have loved better execution (well I had to end on another pun ...)

Ex-cop works for local criminals for years in order to save enough money to open a dinner, and be able to provide for his family. But things go bad on the day he plans to get out of this line of work.

Sadly.. this script is all setup, no payoff.

There are no interesting developments, no well-written characters or even cool choreographies or moments. Worst of all, the one twist the movie has, was shown on trailers for some reason.. and isn't that particularly memorable either. It is a decent production, but the tone is off (attempting to be quirky while being a downer most of the time), the pacing is bad and the plot underwritten.

I lost interest in it rather quickly, and would not recommend it to anyone.

Not the greatest, but a okay storyline and the dialog was not bad. Also Christian and Kevin are great!!

Starts a tiny bit slow but then things change and you think ohh same as before...but there are some surprices and overall I liked it.

I would call it a family "friendly" Action movie but some JW and twists.

Worth to watch I would say, and yes not biggest budget and crazy stuff but overall it works and gives you a good movie.

Some great action, drama and family stories but overall is takes you for a fun ride and I did like it.

Again just enjoy it, no nomination's, only in my heart! One of the better Kevin movies.