Guns Up (2025) Movie Review: A Flawed but Fun B-Movie Action Ride – Where to Watch Online
“Guns Up” (2025), directed and written by Edward Drake, is one of those films that raise eyebrows before you even hit play. Known for his offbeat work with Bruce Willis in various straight-to-video thrillers, Drake returns with an action-comedy mashup featuring a surprising lead: Kevin James. Yes — that Kevin James — the affable goofball from “King of Queens” and Adam Sandler’s comedy ensemble.
This time, James trades laughs for a Glock in a gritty mob-thriller that tries to channel Nobody and John Wick… with mixed results. The story follows Raymond Hayes, an ex-cop turned mob enforcer, who gets one last job before retiring — until it all goes south. Suddenly, Ray is forced to flee with his family or fight back before the night ends — and his life along with it.
Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)
Raymond Hayes (Kevin James) is a former police officer who now collects debts for a powerful criminal syndicate in New Jersey. He plans to quit the life for good and open a diner with his wife Alice (Christina Ricci). But when his boss is murdered, and a ruthless gangster named Lonny Castigan (Timothy V. Murphy) seizes control, Ray is marked for death.
With just hours to escape, Ray must protect his unsuspecting family — including his rebellious teenage daughter — while dodging assassins and questioning his violent past. What ensues is a chaotic, often entertaining night filled with shootouts, knife fights, and a surprising third-act twist.
The Good: Surprisingly Watchable with Strong Chemistry
Let’s start with what works. “Guns Up” is no Oscar contender, but it knows what it is — a pulpy, fast-paced action flick with modest ambitions.
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Christina Ricci is the standout. She steals nearly every scene she’s in, blending emotional resonance with unexpected physicality in fight scenes.
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Kevin James holds his own. While his usual comedic timing feels muted here, he offers a surprisingly grounded performance as a weary, emotionally broken man on the edge.
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The third act genuinely surprises, elevating the film from forgettable to fun. There’s a twist that re-contextualizes earlier scenes and gives the finale some actual momentum.
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Despite a low budget, the action is watchable, with grounded fight choreography and a focus on close-quarters combat.
This is Edward Drake’s most cohesive effort to date, and for a filmmaker often criticized as “the American Uwe Boll,” that’s saying something.
The Bad: Generic Setup, Slow Start, Uneven Tone
Unfortunately, “Guns Up” struggles in many of the ways you’d expect from a mid-budget action release:
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The first half drags. It takes almost 30 minutes for the plot to kick into gear, and the buildup feels padded with exposition.
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The dialogue is full of clichés — grizzled cop one-liners, mafia threats, and family loyalty speeches that feel pulled from a screenwriting handbook.
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Tonally, the film can’t decide if it’s a dark action thriller or a quippy action-comedy. Some jokes land, others don’t. That tonal confusion undermines the stakes.
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Kevin James’ casting, while bold, doesn’t fully work. He’s neither fully believable as a hardened killer nor compelling enough to carry dramatic scenes solo.
This is a film that wants to be Nobody — but lacks the sharp writing and stylized action that made that film memorable.
Streaming Availability – Where to Watch Guns Up (2025)
As of July 2025, “Guns Up” is not yet available on any major streaming platform in the United States.
Check live availability here via JustWatch – Guns Up (2025)
Predicted Upcoming Streaming Platforms:
While unconfirmed, based on Edward Drake’s previous distribution history and current studio partnerships, “Guns Up” will likely appear on:
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Amazon Prime Video – Drake’s films often land here first.
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Tubi or Hulu – For free-with-ads distribution (especially in the U.S. market).
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Apple TV or Google Play Movies – For digital rental/purchase.
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Peacock or Paramount+ – Less likely but possible depending on licensing.
Bookmark the JustWatch page to get notified when it’s available for rent, stream, or purchase.
For Australian Viewers 🇦🇺
If you’re in Australia, you can already buy or rent “Guns Up” on Apple TV:
👉 Watch on Apple TV Australia
Final Thoughts: Should You Watch It?
“Guns Up” is not a great film — but it’s not a terrible one either. It sits comfortably in the “midnight movie” zone. If you enjoy low-stakes action with a familiar formula, you’ll likely find it a decent 90-minute distraction. And honestly, seeing Kevin James channel his inner action hero is enough of a curiosity to warrant a watch.
There’s charm in its simplicity. Despite the weak dialogue and recycled genre tropes, there’s heart behind the performances — and a few moments of genuine tension and excitement.
Verdict: Watch it if you’re into B-movie action with a side of family drama. Skip it if you’re looking for groundbreaking thrills or innovative storytelling.
Have you seen “Guns Up”? Whether you’re a fan of gritty thrillers or curious about Kevin James in a gun-toting role, let us know your thoughts in the comments! And don’t forget to bookmark the JustWatch page to get notified when it hits streaming. Looking for more action movie recommendations? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly reviews and updates!
