The retirement of Bruce Willis hasn’t stopped Edward Drake from delivering his brand of comedic action. In Guns Up, the writer-director casts Kevin James as a debt collector for the mob named Ray. The former police officer never intended to become hired muscle, but he needed better pay to take care of his wife, Alice (Christina Ricci), and their children, Henry (Leo Easton Kelly) and Siohbán (Keena Marie). But even more than that, this job allows Ray and Alice to save up and buy the diner they’ve always dreamed about.
As fate would have it, on what was supposed to be Ray’s final day, a different mafioso takes over, most violently. Lonny Castigan (Timothy V. Murphy) is exacting, to a fault, and has no intention of letting the debt collector go. But a mistake on the former cop’s part ends up with a family member of Lonny’s family dead and Ray and his entire family hunted. So the stage is set for guns, guns, more guns, and quips. But is it any fun?
Guns Up is a somewhat formulaic story given new life thanks to a few clever twists and a terrific sense of fun. The kids don’t know what their dad does for a living, which adds authentic tension and drama to the all-important family dynamic. Alice’s backstory takes the plot from good to great in zero seconds flat, making the climax an absolute blast.
It certainly helps that, quite surprisingly, James and Ricci play off each other very well. They come across as a loving but frustrated couple. Individually, both actors’ natural charisma and comedic timing are on full display. Plus, they each get several action beats and prove formidable.
Christina Ricci fiercely protects her family in Guns Up
“…ends up with a family member of Lonny’s family dead and Ray and his entire family hunted.”
Guns Up surrounds James and Ricci with strong supporting players. Kelly and Marie are very good and funny; Marie can deadpan with the best of ’em. Murphy is terrifying as the evil mob boss, playing it completely straight, which actually helps sell the over-the-topness well. Luis Guzman has a decent-sized part and is his usual enjoyable self. Melissa Leo kills it as a mob boss with a heart of gold.
But really, a film like this lives and dies by its gunplay and comedy. To date, this is Drake’s most impressive effort as a director (and I have seen everything he’s made since 2020). The fight sequences have a raw edge, possibly due to James’s wrestling background, which makes them feel brutal yet plausible. The gunplay is amped up to 11 and is all pure gold. Editor Todd E. Miller does not slice and dice, instead allowing Brendan Galvin’s cinematography to glide through the bullet-ridden halls with style.
The screenplay is also littered with amusing quips or asides. “I’m processing a lot right now, and you are being very aggressive.” “Sweetie, grab a gun and let’s find the kids.” For as fun as that banter is, there are many more lines that will make all watching snort, smirk, smile, and snicker.
Guns Up isn’t the most original film of the year, but it is one of the most fun. The cast, wonderfully led by James and Ricci, all deliver strong performances. The action is exciting, and there is a lot of it. The dialogue is full of amusing zingers, and the plot features a few decent twists, so this isn’t all tropes and clichés.
"…isn't the most original film of the year, but it is one of the most fun."
