Gun (2010)

When Get Rich or Die Trying opened in 2005, it earned rave reviews, many of those directed at the film's star Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson. It seemed as though Jackson had made the successful leap from music to movies.

Upon viewing Gun, Jackon's newest film, which he wrote, this notion must be reconsidered.

The flick tells the story of an inner city gunrunner, Rich, who gets involved with all the wrong people and allows untrustworthy men into his inner sanctum, undoubtedly leading to disaster.

The story falls flat from the beginning, as there is nothing unique or outstanding about any aspect of the tale. It seems as though the "life is hard on the streets" plots have become dime a dozen and no longer have value or meaning. The story proves to be such a disappointment coming from Jackson, who, as is common knowledge, knows exactly what inner city life is all about. Perhaps writing is simply not his strong suit.

The acting gives a little more strength to Gun in the forms of Curtis Jackson, Val Kilmer and James Remar. Jackson is still, against all odds, an extraordinarily talented actor. With passion and conviction in each movement made and every word spoken, Jackson plays the role of the gunrunner, Rich. The amount of talent that Jackson pours into this role cannot be understated, although it is easily lost in the mediocrity of the flick itself.

Kilmer, who has been quite scarce as of late, puts on a good show as Rich's most trusted man, Angel. Kilmer will have you believing that he is a tortured soul caught between his family and his loyalties.

In a surprise appearance, Remar plays the aged detective who has been fighting long and hard to bring down Rich. If it seems that Remar has become typecast it is only because he is pure perfection in that role.

AnnaLynne McCord takes on the role of Gabriella, Rich's supplier and sometimes lover, and her acting falls flat.

The substandard storyline is unfortunately not the only weakness Gun is burdened with. The vast amount of unbelievable factors and events in this film is enough to shatter that suspension of disbelief audiences are capable of. Men shooting what are meant to be the most powerful bazookatype firearms in the world face no recoil whatsoever, and the sound editing would have you believing that powerful guns are as quiet as a mouse.

The newly released DVD is bare, containing only the flick with its 82-minute run-time and a trailer.

Perhaps the one other element that the film has going for it is the display of guns, which do in fact allow the flick to stand up to its name. So if you're heavily into state of the art of handguns on display, or are looking for a run-ofthe- mill gangster flick, then maybe check this one out.

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars