Guns Up (2025) – A Relentless, Riotous Ride, It’s Ballistic!

Guns Up is exactly what action-comedy fans have been craving—a thrilling, bullet-fueled blast that knows how to deliver high-octane mayhem with a smirk. Picture John Wick meets Nobody, then throw in Kevin James and Christina Ricci giving career-best performances, and you have the glorious cocktail that is Guns Up.

Kevin James, stepping into his most badass role yet, proves he’s not just comedy gold—he’s action dynamite. He balances bone-crunching brutality with comedic timing so sharp it could slice through steel. Christina Ricci is equally electric, bringing lethal elegance and razor-sharp wit to every scene. Together, they’re a dynamic duo you never knew you needed, lighting up the screen with chemistry and charisma.

But let’s give credit where it’s due: director Edward Drake absolutely crushes it here. He’s crafted a world that’s gritty, stylish, and thrilling without taking itself too seriously. Drake has already shown his skill across multiple genres—from the gritty sci-fi of Breach to the criminally underrated Detective Knight trilogy. With Guns Up, he effortlessly blends absurdist humor and brutal action, making this one of his most entertaining outings to date.

The action sequences are flat-out fun. From bar brawls to warehouse shootouts and a gloriously over-the-top finale, every scene pops with energy and clever choreography. Drake knows how to stage action that keeps you leaning forward while grinning ear to ear. He’s a world-builder in the truest sense—every set piece and story beat feels part of a living, breathing universe. Much like the noir-infused shadows of Gasoline Alley, there’s a slickness to Guns Up that’s impossible to resist.

Speaking of Gasoline Alley—if you haven’t seen it, fix that now. It’s a masterclass in noir action, and further proof that Drake understands the layered complexity behind genre filmmaking. And for those who slept on the Detective Knight trilogy: go back and watch it. There’s a darker mythology simmering under the surface there, rich with untapped potential for spinoffs and deeper lore.

Bottom line? Guns Up is pure brilliance. It’s loud, it’s fast, it’s funny, and it absolutely knows what it is: a top-tier action comedy made with heart, brains, and brawn. Edward Drake has once again shown that he’s not just a director to watch—he’s already there. And with James and Ricci firing on all cylinders, Guns Up shoots straight into action-comedy legend.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Check out more from Edward Drake at Action Reloaded

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