Gun Shy [DVD]

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!

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.