Guilty Pleasure Action — Way of the Gun


Today I continue my look at guilty pleasure films this summer with the third action entry.

Way of the Gun (2000)
Starring: Benicio Del Toro, Ryan Phillippe, Juliette Lewis, James Caan, Taye Diggs, Nicky Katt, and Scott Wilson
About: Christopher McQuarrie gained fame as a hard boiled crime writer for penning the script to "The Usual Suspects." While that film remains revered by most, including me, his follow up film — and directorial debut — sort of flew under the radar. There could be a lot of reasons for that. It was sort of a lightly seen release that didn't have a lot of promotion. It doesn't have the memorable beats of "The Usual Suspects," and it doesn't have the easiest to follow story. Still, there is something about it that always hooks me. I like the writing. I like the performances, and the cast is pretty incredible. I like the strange beats and the fact that, even after about 20 viewings, I don't understand everything that's going on here. And I love the last act. This film has one of the best shoot outs that I've seen in a film, and that's what probably endures most here. This isn't a great film, but it's a great attempt at creating something different and original. "Way of the Gun" doesn't have the same profile as McQuarrie's award-winning work in "The Usual Suspects," but there is something about it that keeps me coming back.
Rating: R for strong violence/gore, language and some sexuality. Enter with caution.

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