Guns Akimbo Movie Review (2019)
A real-life shooter video game in a city with real people full with viewers, effects, and scoring? Yeah, this was a fun one.
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be in a video game, you’re not alone. This is one of those films where it feels like a few friends got into a room, started chatting, had some laughs, and an entire movie came out of it.
Guns Akimbo is about a world where human video games are happening on the down-low and people watch from their phones or computers. They have favorite competitors, and those contestants are put in a battle with other people to see which one will survive. It takes place on the streets, in offices, in alleyways – anywhere, and it doesn’t seem to affect anyone else too much because, well, it’s a video game.
When a “no one” guy starts engaging in the comments with other viewers of a specific shooter game, a group of thugs show up at his house, abduct him, and put him through a surgery to attach guns to his hands. They shove him into the competition and, not only does he have to figure out how to use the bathroom and put on pants, but he has to fight for his life as well.
This movie is very funny and is completely in on its own joke. I found myself laughing frequently and got a real kick out of the silliness and smartness of the entire production.
Daniel Radcliffe is fantastic to watch and I have so much respect for the range of roles and movies that he’s chosen to be a part of since Harry Potter. He is definitely not a one-trick pony and he is the perfect awkward straight-man for this part. His wide blue eyes, excellent American accent, and witless sincerity are a huge draw and what pushes this movie into “something to talk about” territory.
While in constant battle, competitors do kill bystanders and get shot. Appendages come off and eyes get shot out, but pain seems to be something that lasts for about 3 seconds. Imagine your video game character getting shot in the shoulder, going, “Oh!” and then powering up so that they can go kick more butt. That’s what you get here.
The peripheral characters like the cops (who are apparently out there, but never when they’d interrupt the action) and the viewers who are locked in, watching on their devices (just like the viewers in The Truman Show) are extra entertaining additions. You can’t have a performance without an audience.
Guns Akimbo has a ton of fun visual effects with video-game-like precision in addition to some great characters, an energizing soundtrack, and a clever premise. With loads of action and a funny script, you’re going to enjoy it.
Runtime: 97 minutes
Motion Picture Rating: R
Languages Spoken In The Film: English
Should You Watch It? Yes, it’s fun
Did I Cry? Nope, not that kind of movie
My Rating: 3.25/5 Stars
Available: For free on Prime Video or may be available for free on other streaming platforms
