The High Stakes of Human Malice

Read Time:4 Minute, 8 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Mean Guns (Special Edition)
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Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
Year Released: 1997, 2024 MVD Rewind
Runtime: 1h 50m
Director(s): Albert Pyun
Writer(s): Andrew Witham
Cast: Christopher Lambert, Ice-T, Yuji Okumoto, Deborah Van Valkenburgh, Thom Matthews
Where To Watch: available April 9, 2024; pre-order here www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Strap in for a ride through the electrifying world of MEAN GUNS, where director Albert Pyun manages to shake the foundations of traditional action cinema with a concoction that's as intoxicating as it is unique. At the heart of this journey is a sinister survival game set against the opening of a maximum-security prison. With a cast led by the duo of Ice-T and Christopher Lambert, the film crosses over between genres, blending the intensity of a thriller with moral complexities and, unexpectedly, the spirit of something more.

MEAN GUNS sets the stage for an epic showdown. Pyun, no stranger to pushing the boundaries of film, orchestrates a narrative filled with twists, turns, and high stakes. The contestants, entangled with a dangerous syndicate's dark web (at least the late 90s version), are vying for a life-changing prize of $10 million, ensuring that desperation and determination are at the core of this frenetic frenzy.

The visual spectacle of MEAN GUNS is where Pyun’s direction shines. Action scenes, meticulously choreographed and bursting with energy, are set to an oddly captivating score, creating a film experience that's both bewildering and exhilarating. Amid the ballet of bullets and beat drops, the movie finds its soul, navigating the fine line between chaos and cohesion as alliances form and feuds flare.

The performances of Ice-T, Lambert, and Van Valkenburgh are central to the film's appeal. They anchor the movie’s experience, lending a sense of gravity and humanity amid the whirlwind of action. Through their portrayals, MEAN GUNS explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and the human capacity for both good and evil, providing a counterbalance to the otherwise unbridled mayhem.

Sometimes, the dialogue tries too hard to be hip, even in 1997, and some of these lines were “cringe,” detracting a bit from its overall impact. Furthermore, the movie’s ambitious critique of violence and societal decay, though laudable, doesn’t consistently deliver the intended depth or nuance.

Despite these minor shortcomings, MEAN GUNS emerges as a vibrant testament to the creative possibilities of genre filmmaking. I’m sad that it took me over 25 years to see it! It's a movie that challenges viewers to engage with its underlying themes while enjoying the sheer spectacle of its presentation. With his characteristic flair and willingness to experiment, Pyun delivers a film that resonates with the power of cinema to mirror and transcend the complexities of the human experience.

MEAN GUNS is a bold, if occasionally flawed, celebration of cinematic fun. It melds the ludicrous with the profound, offering a unique viewing experience that defies easy categorization. Pyun’s audacious directorial choices and the film’s embrace of its distinctive identity mark it as a noteworthy entry into the halls of action cinema history. For those seeking an unconventional movie that dares to mix genres, rhythms, and themes in daring ways, MEAN GUNS is an adventure not to be missed.

Bonus Materials
Main feature presented in 1080p HD in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio
Audio: LPCM 2.0 Stereo
Optional English, Spanish, and French Subtitles
Audio Commentary from Director Albert Pyun
Introduction by Director Albert Pyun (HD, 00:39)
NEW! Interview with Producer Gary Schmoeller (HD, 28:57)
NEW! Interview with Executive Producer Paul Rosenblum (HD, 23:41)
NEW! Interview with Composer Anthony Riparetti (HD, 18:31)
Original Theatrical Trailer
Reversible artwork
Collectible Mini-Poster
Limited Edition Slipcover (*FIRST PRESSING ONLY)

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[photo courtesy of MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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