Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
James' violent shoot-'em-up crime comedy misfires.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Guns Up
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In GUNS UP, New Jersey cop Ray Hayes (Kevin James) is given an offer he can't refuse: Get paid well to join a Mafia family that operates with a code of honor. Oh, and he can quit at any time. But when The Family is absorbed by a more ruthless outfit, Ray must find another way to get out.
Is It Any Good?
It's probably not worth the price of a theater ticket, but if you come across it at home or on an airplane, this Kevin James actioner has enough story and laughs to pass a couple of hours. James is at his best when he's playing a devoted family man, and in Guns Up, that premise gets a clever twist, as Ray becomes part of another "family" when he joins the mob. James brings his usual charm, and you might be surprised at how often you chuckle, thought overall there's more action than comedy.
That said, problems abound: plot holes, dangling threads, and opening credits that tease events that never happen. And while this is mostly the story of Ray and his wife, Alice (Christina Ricci), their kids—17-year-old Siohbán (Keana Marie) and 7-year-old Henry (Leo Easton Kelly)—do get some good screen time. But as a family film, Guns Up is a thumbs down.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why entertainment media—including Guns Up—sometimes portrays criminals with empathy. Does Ray think he's a "good guy" or a "bad guy"? What do you think?
Why does Ray join Michael's criminal enterprise? Was there another way he could have overcome his financial issues? How can economic stress lead to criminal choices?
Are drinking or smoking glamorized in the movie? Why, or why not? Why does that matter?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 18, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : July 18, 2025
- Cast : Kevin James , Christina Ricci , Luis Guzman
- Director : Edward Drake
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Vertical Entertainment
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Run time : 91 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong violence, language and brief drug use
- Last updated : July 25, 2025
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