Product: Mean Guns [VHS] (1997)
Rating: 5.0
Unpretentious, cool visuals, lots of action.
The "plot" gets laid out pretty quick. A bunch of criminals have been put inside a brand-new prison shortly before it is due to open by a criminal organization called "the Syndicate." Only three will be allowed out alive. The action starts when the Syndicate boss adds guns, weapons, and ammo by pouring them on top of the condemned. After that, the movie is vignette after vignette of criminals taking each other out. If you pay close attention, it ends up there is actually a more complicated plot, stemming from unfinished business between the three meanest killers in the place.There is a homage to Christopher Lambert's "Highlander" roles involving a baseball bat and some dude's head. The setting is simultaneously vivid and stark, very interesting throughout. Some attractive ladies, oddball criminals, an innocent man (well, he came voluntarily anyways), an old West style shootout, gold teeth, and great comic timing.This isn't thought-provoking or deep but it moves quickly and has a good mix of action, blood, and wry humor. It's a perfect movie for those times when you don't want to think too hard.