Guns Up is a gritty yet humorous action-comedy scheduled for release in 2025. Directed and written by Edward Drake, the film showcases Kevin James in a darker, more intense role as Raymond “Ray” Hayes, a former police officer turned mob enforcer.
Alongside him is Christina Ricci as Alice Hayes, his devoted wife who remains unaware of his criminal ties. The supporting cast includes Luis Guzmán, Melissa Leo, Timothy V. Murphy, and Rob Gough, lending a seasoned edge to this urban crime saga.
Ray is on the brink of a fresh start—he dreams of leaving behind his violent double life to open a diner with Alice. But when his final mission for the mob spirals out of control, Ray is thrust into a desperate race against time.
With only one night to escape the chaos and protect his family from the fallout, Ray must confront enemies from both his past and present in a series of tense and explosive encounters.
Guns Up Age Rating: Content Breakdown
Guns Up is rated R for strong violence, language, and brief drug use. The R rating, assigned by the Motion Picture Association (MPA), stands for “Restricted” and means that viewers under the age of 17 require an accompanying parent or adult guardian to watch the film in theaters.
While not a ban on younger viewers, the R rating signals that parental discretion is strongly advised, as the content may be disturbing or inappropriate for minors.
Violence & Gore: ★★★★☆
The film contains frequent scenes of gunfights, beatings, and hand-to-hand combat. Blood splatter and bullet wounds are shown during multiple action sequences. Ray is seen executing enemies without hesitation. One character is stabbed in a close-up shot, and another is tortured for information. While the violence is stylized, the impact is strong and realistic.
Language: ★★★★☆
Strong profanity is used throughout the film, including frequent use of “f”, “s”, and other harsh language. Characters curse casually and during intense emotional scenes. The language contributes to the film’s gritty urban atmosphere.
Sex & Nudity: ★☆☆☆☆
There are no sex scenes or nudity. Brief innuendos and a scene of a married couple kissing are present, but the film avoids sexual content overall.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking: ★★☆☆☆
Some brief scenes depict drug use, specifically cocaine, in a mob-related context. Characters also drink alcohol socially and in moments of stress. Substance use is not glorified, but is present as part of the criminal world setting.
Frightening & Intense Scenes: ★★★☆☆
The film’s intensity stems from its fast pacing and the high stakes for Ray’s family. Viewers may find scenes of home invasion, near-death moments, and the looming threat to innocent characters unsettling. However, the film balances its tension with dark humor and stylized action.
Is Guns Up Appropriate for Teens?
Guns Up is best suited for mature teens aged 17 and up due to its R-rated content. The film includes intense sequences of violence and language that may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
There are also brief drug references and moments of emotional distress tied to the central character’s criminal past. However, the absence of sexual content and the focus on family protection may appeal to older teens who enjoy high-stakes action narratives.
Parents should consider their teens’ sensitivity to violence and profanity before allowing them to watch.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the official rating for Guns Up (2025)?
A: The film is rated R by the MPA for strong violence, language, and brief drug use.
Q: Is there nudity or sex in Guns Up?
A: No. The film does not contain nudity or explicit sex scenes.
Q: Is Guns Up connected to other films?
A: No, it is an original standalone film with no connection to a larger franchise.
Q: Is the violence graphic?
A: Yes. Gun violence, physical assaults, and bloody injuries are depicted with realistic detail, though not to the level of horror or gore.
Q: Is there a message or moral in the film?
A: At its core, the film explores themes of redemption, sacrifice, and protecting one’s family, despite a past filled with violence.