Customer Reviews

Gun Shy [VHS]

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Five stars for this cleverly made dark comedy about a DEA Agent's last assignment, to catch the players in a drug ring.

Liam Neeson plays Charlie, whose last assignment with the DEA went south badly, resulting in his partner being killed and him being literally tied up on a large platter of watermelon, but is rescued before he is executed.

The very opening scene of this movie is a kick, with Charlie sitting pants-less on the bathroom floor of an airport, talking to himself and reliving his arguments with his boss and the execution of his partner; complete with a hilarious fantasy of the bad guys doing ballet leaps as they are shot, surrealistic and funny, choreographed along with the tune "Blue Skies For Everyone".

Charlie meets a psychiatrist on the airplane, and decides to see him. Dr. Bleckner talks Charlie into joining his group therapy session, where Charlie unloads the stresses of his job, to the astonishment of the group. He also talks Charlie into seeing a gastroenterologist, and prescribes some sedatives for him to take before his big meeting with the drug mob.

Charlie teams up with Fidel and Estuvio, two Columbians who are bringing in the drugs, and a meeting is arranged with Fulvio Nesstra (Oliver Platt) and his money man Jason Cane (Andrew Lauer). Fulvio is a frustrated gangster, following along in the family business and trying to please his father-in-law, when what he really wants to do is just be able to grow a good tomato.

The meeting is hilarious, with Charlie falling asleep from the drugs while talking with Fulvio, and Fulvio shooting Estuvio in the jewels.

Charlie goes to the gastroenterologist and meet nurse Judy Tipp (Sandra Bullock) who tells him that he needs to get his life under control or he will s*** himself to death. This is probably one of the best scenes in the movie, the enema scene done to the tune of "Man's World" while Nurse Tipp chats away. Charlie and Judy strike up a romance, the chattering Judy giving Charlie the new perspective on life that he needed.

Charlie is trying to get through this assignment and nail the drug ring, while Fulvio is trying to get through the deal to make a name for himself, and they strike up an unusual friendship.

Things go from bad to worse, as Charlie reveals more and more of his job to his counseling group, becomes more involved with Judy, and goes deeper and deeper into the dealings with Fulvio and the columbians.

This is a not-to-be-missed movie; it is well cast and well acted, with a fresh and unique storyline not even comparable to Analyze This or the other movie competitors. I would go so far to say that Gun Shy is far superior to the competing movies that pushed it into the video stores so quickly, more full of life and humor even with its black undertone.

The surprise twist at the end will leave you laughing for a long time, I didn't even see it coming and it was the perfect top off for this excellent dark comedy. My advice? Go out and buy this movie. Enjoy!

I found this to be a wonderful and engaging film. The plot has been criticized for being a tad meandering and while I do agree with that, it didn't detract from my enjoyment at all. I found it a little hard to get into at first, I think because there was so much of Liam Neeson in the first several scenes and he is not one of my favorite actors. He won me over in this, however. People also have stated that the "bowel humor" was a bit gross, but I felt the sound effects were funny and also made you really feel the charactor's discomfort and fear in the scene. Remember, everybody poops.

Oliver Platt is one of my favorite actors, and he does not disapoint in this movie. This is definitely a charactor driven movie, with a lot of conversations and not much action, but the action was well placed and hilarious. There are also small nuances that really develop the charactors further such as when Oliver Platt's charator, Fulvio, spends the night cleaning his kitchen. I found it both warm-hearted and funny and the statement it makes about some peoples need to get out of the rat race of their lives and relax really spoke to me! To the Ocean View!

A word to Sandra Bullock fans - she has a very small part in this film and is only in a few scenes, although she is wonderful as always.

Apparently this movie got lost in the shuffle somehow (see other reviews)and it is a shame, because it is a very funny, semi-black comedy that deserved a broader audience. While Liam Neeson is not usually cast in comedies, he should do more of them because he was very good as Charlie, the burned-out drug agent and he was surrounded by a great cast, topped by Oliver Platt, who was, as usual, excellent, and Sandra Bullock, who had a small but effective part as Charlie's no-nonsense girlfriend. Mary McCormick was hilarious in a tiny, almost unrecognized part as Fluvio's (Pratt's) caustic wife and the group of sadsacks who made up Charlie's therapy group added their own comic note. I would recommend this to anyone who just wants to relax and have a nice, uncomplicated laugh and enjoy two very attractive leading actors.

I was very surprised by this film. I had overhead so many negative reviews of this feature that I think it had seeped to deeply into my mind when I chose to pick it up. I had already thought that it was going to be a poor excuse of a film when I placed it in my DVD player, but to my surprise (literally), this was actually a well developed, superbly acted film. Now, it wasn't the greatest movie that I have ever seen, but as far as entertainment goes, this film did lift an eyebrow. The script was loose, but well thought out, the acting was well above your average independent feature, and the tone was light. I think that is what I liked most about this film (outside of the acting) was that it never went too deep into itself, but instead kept it light and seemingly fluffy. In an era of over-zealous directors, Eric Blakeney proved to me that he could gather great actors, place them in a decent story, and produce amazing results. I wish other directors would take his lead and push more towards this than just giving up and relying on the name of the actor to sell their film.

There are three elements that really caught my attention while watching this film, and I must begin with the acting. You had in this film some of Hollywood's most dramatic, comedic, and talented people doing their best work in this little film called Gun Shy. Liam Neeson represented his character so well, that I nearly forgot most of the time that he was Neeson from Schindler's List, but instead this neurotic agent with problems around every bend. The twitching of his hands, the ability to bring life to his words and his comedic timing was brilliant. He really was a shining light in this film. This rubbed off onto the others in this film causing greatness from everyone. Oliver Platt was hysterical playing off of every Italian stereotype that can be seen in such hits as The Sopranos and The Godfather, but he does it with so much originality and creativity that it feels and smells fresh. I found myself laughing at everything Platt did, and he played so well against Neeson that I am surprised that the two haven't made more films together. Then there was Sandra. While this wasn't the mightiest role for her, she was enjoyable to watch. She didn't overdo it, nor was she lacking. She was the only average character in the film, and I blame this in part to only having a few short scenes in the film (kinda underdeveloped). The rest of the cast was well above par. What was interesting about the characters and actors of Gun Shy is that I wanted to watch them. They, unlike some recent Hollywood blockbusters, brought life into the film and they had "fun" (a Hollywood curse word) with this production. You could tell, and it provided some enjoyable cinema.

The next element was the story. Director/writer Eric Blakeney did a great job of complementing the actors with a simple script. This may sound like an insult, but so many times we watch films that have this overdeveloped story that causes are actors to get lost, our audience to get lost, and ultimately our film to get lost. By keeping the story simple, Blakeney was able to bring the best from the actors. I do believe that the script complimented the actors and pushed them to explore new possibilities of characters. It was a story that we had seen time and time again, but again, like the acting, it seemed original and fresh because it was simple and complete. My only gripes about the story is that it could have developed Bullock's character a bit more and sharpened the ending a bit, but that is all. Honestly, I thought the film worked the way the script was written, no changes were needed, but healthy constructive feedback is always welcomed.

Finally, I would like to say that I loved the theme of this film. Perhaps it is where I am in my life that allowed it to hit me so hard, but for me it was sheer bliss. Here you have a story, which all the central characters hate, loathe, and dislike their lives. From Charlie's hatred and fear of getting killed by his job, to Fulvio's passion for a better life, to the Colombian's wanting to escape in love together, to even all of Charlie's friends in his group therapy that hate their lives as well, there is just this overwhelming sense of dislike for the world when this film begins. As we grow with our characters, they begin to see the brighter side of life and that we all need that moment of change to help us grow and develop ourselves. I thought this was a great theme to bring into a zany mob comedy, but it worked. So many times in Hollywood we see the happy family man who gets caught up in the mob mess, but never have we seen so many disillusioned people gathered in one film and still make it a comedy. It was very close to perfection.

Overall, I enjoyed this film. I will say it again, it wasn't the best I have ever seen, but it did provide two hours of entertainment and sometimes that is all you can ask of a film (though lately it is becoming harder and harder). The acting is what pulled me into the picture, and the depressing beginning theme kept me glued to the screen. I surprise myself sometimes because this was not a "crazy film". It was a generic story that allowed the actors and the director to be original and creative. You don't see that much anymore, and it was sheer bliss to finally witness it in the film Gun Shy.

Grade: **** out of *****

GUN SHY is a peculiar movie, one that purports to have a significant storyline but one that splinters ideas all over the place, leaving the viewer wondering what all the fuss is about.

'Charlie' Mayeaux (Liam Neeson) is a bummed out DEA agent fresh from a bungled case yet given an important assignment to break a Columbian drug cartel represented by Fidel (José Zúñiga) and his boyfriend Estuvio (Michael DeLorenzo). Also caught up in this mélange is the Mafia represented, however reluctantly, by Fulvio Nestra (Oliver Platt), a nerdy but vicious bungler whose temper is uncontrollable, partly due to his insipid belittling wife Gloria (Mary McCormack) whose father demands Fulvio's crime life importance. Charlie is a mess, meets a psychologist who introduces him to group therapy (where Charlie idiotically relates all the DEA secrets openly) and to gastroenterology where nurse Judy (Sandra Bullock) administers a barium enema then other more herbal-sided treatments while she and Charlie become bonded. People are maimed (gunshot castration), killed, made to look foolish, all to the end of supposedly belly laughs on the part of the audience.

True, Neeson shows a flair for comedy and Platt manages to convey a breakthrough role for him, but the rest is a jumbled mess. Made in 2000 with the Twin Towers of New York frequently visible during talk against Arabs and the Middle East, it is easy to see why the timing of this 'yet another Mafia vs law' film contributed to its short theater run (how many have even heard of it?). But in the final analysis it probably failed on its own merits - sad for a film filled to the brim with very fine actors. Grady Harp, February 06

It is too bad this movie did not get the attention it deserves. It does have considerable charm. The ending may be a bit predictable but this is a pleasant and well acted effort. If you buy this movie, you will not regret it. The purchase price will not be wasted money unlike some DVDs. This movie is one you will enjoy looking at every six months or so.

I saw this film, knowing very little about it, and was quite rewarded. It is inevitably compared to Groose Pointe Blank, Analyse This, etc., which is not a bad crowd to be in; however, the film stands up very well by virtue of strong performances by Liam Neeson and Oliver Platt, both of whom have a penchant for taking complex characters and making them become believable and engrossing (admittedly, Platt's opening scene is a bit over the top, but he's a good enough actor to get beyond it).

What makes this film different from other "therapy" films is the well-wrought friendship that emerges between the two "rivals," who eventually turn their backs on the whole system that sets them in opposition to one another.

The film is also the big screen emergence of Eric Blakeney, who has had a long run as a television writer. For a first film, it presents a very mature vision and strong sense of the image/narrative relationship, as well as convincing emotional range. Blakeney is a name we should remember, and look for.

If you liked the movies "Defending Your Life" with Meryl Streep
and Albert Brooks; or the classic "Harold and Maude", then you
have the kind of sense of humor needed to enjoy this warm, sad,
funny, serious and engaging movie. It's all about the people.

Sandra Bullock was a hoot in this film; Liam Neeson was superb.
Also in the cast is Mitch Pileggi from the X-Files, Paul Ben-
Victor (The Invisible Man), and Oliver Platt who was charming,
terrifying and hilarious. If you don't know Oliver Platt by name,
as soon as you see him you'll recognize him. He plays a very
convincing mob maniac, but your fears will soon turn into
affection. Oliver is absolutely fantastic, he does a great job
with his character.

Whether looking inside the heads of these intense characters
living dangerous lives, or having no idea what they're thinking
while they do the things they do, is what keeps you locked into
this movie. I couldn't miss a minute of it, it is highly

entertaining and constantly full of surprises.

It's a unique movie, and it goes it's own way. I'm surprised at
the bad reviews posted before mine. I think the folks who
snubbed this film simply didn't get it. That's okay - I think
you'll either love the film or hate it. If you have a taste for
the somewhat unusual and the ability to like the characters, the
"people", it's bound to be a hit with you. If you're more into
The Three Stooges type of humor, this won't work for you.

This isn't the kind of comedy that makes you roar out loud -
it's the kind of movie that keeps you smiling the whole time,
thouroughly enjoying the characters, the music, the irony.

The opening tune was a tip off of the kind of fun to come,
"Blue Skies For Everyone" done in minor chords like a spooky
Halloween song. This is not a complex film, it is simple and
human and highly entertaining. I loved it. I rarely purchase
films, but this is one I will enjoy seeing again.

Big belly laughs, subtle humor, and nicely written character moments comfortably co-exist in this crime comedy that isn't a half-bad little thriller, either. I liked the way no one is immediately as they seem, and that each major character is often viewed very differently by the other characters. Oliver Platt's gangster character, for example, is rightfully seen as a brutal thug by mostly everyone, but is not given the time of day by his overbearing wife, who makes him do all the housework. I also enjoyed that both the big and small laughs are all character driven, and felt that the film was only slighly marred by an over-the-top rescue scene near the end involving Liam Neeson's therapy group arriving like the cavalry. Overall, "Gun Shy" is funny, involving, and, as a bonus, beautifully photographed in warm tones that make one want to visit New York City right away!

If you like Liam Neeson.. have --I-- got a movie for YOU!

He's the star of GUN SHY (2000), a superior comedy that co-stars Oliver Platt (in one of his best performances as "leg breaker" Fulvio Nestra) and Sandra Bullock (as Judy Tipp, 'the Enema Queen'). Geez, I just watched it again last week and already I want to do so for the umpteenth time.

Neeson is undercover DEA agent 'Charlie' Mayeaux (pronounced May-YO). When he's betrayed by a fellow agent and almost killed, all Charlie wants to do is retire and seek "the ocean view." His superiors insist he hang in and finish this last assignment, a market-cornering scheme that involves Fulvio, a Columbian druglord named Fidel Vaillar (José Zúñiga), Fidel's boyfriend Estuvio (Michael DeLorenzo) and the Wall Street arranger/inside trader Jason Cane (Andy Lauer).

Charlie's fears for his life are causing him huge stress. He sees a shrink, becomes part of a professional mens' group therapy (some wackos there) and is sent by the psychiatrist to a gastroenterologist (for 'intermittent flatulence'), where he meets Judy and gets a barium enema while she cracks a series of jokes.

From this odd chance meeting, they become a couple. Charlie's deal goes forward and he learns in the process that even the bad guys are dissatisfied with their lives. Fulvio is married to the Don's daughter, who's a REAL B word. His only dream is to grow tomatoes in Sicily and not be a gangster. Fidel and Estuvio also want to abandon crime and design clothes together.

I wish there were some way I could impart how witty and entertaning this film is right down to the smallest detail, like the music score. All I can say is if you decide to see GUN SHY, please stay tuned during the first 30 seconds of the movie credits for an all-important glimpse of a happy man.

Oh, and let me know (in COMMENTS) if you enjoyed it as much as I do! :?D