Gunmen

A generically hip, but brutal offbeat comedy action joint that moves at a breakneck pace and offers a lot time for Denis Leary to do his ruthlessly lip-smacking viper bad-guy shtick (and constantly calling those who work for him "morons") … and lets not forget Patrick Stewart in somewhat of an unconventional role as a crippled, cold-blooded South American drug lord. I don't know why, but I had trouble seeing Stewart in the part. I guess Capt. Picard kept coming to mind. Anyhow Mario Van Pebbles finds himself teaming up with Christopher Lambert (who both shares a good chemistry) on the hunt for $400 million dollars of stolen drug money stole away on a boat with Leary on their trail that was hired by Stewart.

A very enjoyable, if inflamed b-grade action buddy fare that's held together by a vacant on-the-run narrative laced with self-irony and the screenplay was written by Stephen Sommers (known for "The Mummy" blockbusters). Razor-sharp one-liners fly about ("You talk more sh!t than a radio") and the edgy violence is explosively staged with some cracking (and over-the-top) stunt-work amongst some flavorous exotic locations. It's slickly made and the camera-work simply excels. Performances are fitting. Van Pebbles' brings a rough and ready trait to his agent character and Lambert gives his crooked character a twitchy, but capable side. Although his accent was a bit of a stretch. A bold Brenda Bakke also makes an impression as one of the mercenaries. Furthermore there's good minor support by Sally Kirkland and a comical Kadeem Hardison.