HANDGUN U.S. Independents - Fiction

As a comic spin on the action/heist genre, first-time director Whitney Ransick’s Handgun resembles a cross between Simple Men and Reservoir Dogs. Jack (Seymour Cassel) dies after being shot in a hold-up amfleaves behind a half-million dollar booty which his sons must work together to find. The intricate labyrinth of kidnaps, escapes, chases, and betrayals would do any action picture proud. But Ransick invests this familiar turf with fresh perspective and shrewd humor-as a spoof of machismo, tough guys, dim-witted cops, and family ties. Ransick’s deadpan humor mixes idiosyncratic wit with laconic and cryptic dialogue. The acting is superb, led by Treat Williams’ deliciously wicked performance. Handgun exhibits an unmistakably alert intelligence and cinematic sensibility that announce the arrival of an original American filmmaker. -Emanuel Levy, Variety