Guns

Guns is an action-packed B-movie extravaganza from 1990 that blends together the raw excitement of explosive shootouts with the alluring glamour of scantily-clad heroines. Directed by Andy Sidaris, the film revels in the over-the-top tropes of the late '80s and early '90s action genre, all delivered with a side of cheeky humor and campy fun.

The movie features a relatively well-known cast for its genre, with the likes of Erik Estrada, Dona Speir, and Roberta Vasquez taking on the leading roles. Estrada, best known for his role as Frank "Ponch" Poncherello on the TV series "CHiPs", sheds his good-guy image to play a smooth yet ruthless villain. Speir and Vasquez, both regulars in Sidaris' "Bullets, Bombs and Babes" series (also known as Triple B series), are the protagonists who bring a mix of beauty, brains, and brawn to their characters.

Guns sets its stage in Hawaii, a tropical paradise that becomes the backdrop for an elaborate criminal plot. The plot centers around a notorious South American arms dealer named Juan Degas, played by Erik Estrada. Degas is also known by the alias "Jack of Diamonds", and he's on a mission to further his illicit trade across the United States. His operations involve smuggling a trove of deadly weapons into the heart of the country through the tranquil Hawaiian islands.

Opposing him are a pair of savvy and lethal agents. Donna Hamilton, played by Dona Speir, and Nicole Justin, portrayed by Roberta Vasquez, are part of an elite government agency that’s been tracking Degas' movements. Speir's character, Hamilton, is a seasoned veteran in the covert ops field while Vasquez's Justin offers a measured, cool-headed approach to their dangerous missions. Together, they are a formidable force, not to be underestimated by their external appearances. Aspects of their personal lives and their motivation to thwart the villain's plans are gradually exposed, adding depth to their characters beyond their physical assiduousness.

The narrative unfolds as Degas moves his operations from the South American jungles to the Hawaiian shorelines, bringing him into direct conflict with the dynamic duo of Hamilton and Justin. As the tension escalates, the film becomes a cat-and-mouse game between the arms dealer and the agents who are trying to capture him. Ample action sequences grace the screen with car chases, gunfights, and the occasional explosion, all delivered with a sense of dramatic flair and a pinch of irony.

The film is peppered with a cast of supporting characters, some of whom provide comedic relief while others add further complexity to the plot. Each character is placed purposefully within the narrative, offering their skills in combat, intelligence-gathering, or sometimes just sheer distraction to aid in the central mission or provide a subplot to the main action.

True to Sidaris' unique directorial style, Guns doesn’t shy away from flaunting the physical attributes of its female leads, often placing them in scenes that emphasize sex appeal. The movie exudes an exploitation-film vibe that may appeal to fans of the genre who are looking for the mix of kitsch and carnage. However, in the midst of its racy visuals and exhilarating stunts, it also makes an effort to portray its heroines as highly competent and respected agents who are as feared for their sharp minds as they are their marksmanship.

Moreover, Guns presents a characteristic 1980s soundtrack that ranges from synth-pop to rock ballads, setting the mood for each scene and anchoring the film in its era. Drenched in sunshine and dotted with picturesque beaches, the cinematography takes full advantage of the Hawaiian setting, using the backdrop both to contrast with the sinister nature of the crime being perpetrated and to add a sense of vacation-like escape to the unfolding drama.

While not a film to be taken too seriously, Guns offers an abundance of what it sets out to deliver—action and escapism. It embraces its identity as a B-movie with pride, letting the audience in on the joke, and inviting them to enjoy the ride without overthinking the plot or seeking deep thematic content. It's a rollercoaster of fun and firearms, fitting snugly into the Sidaris universe of high-octane adventures.

In essence, Guns is a nostalgia trip for enthusiasts of a time when action movies were less concerned with gritty realism and more invested in the thrill of the spectacle. It allows indulgence in a straightforward narrative where good and evil are clearly defined, and where heroes can save the day with a combination of skill, luck, and a heavy dose of firepower. For fans of the genre, or those looking for a light-hearted, action-filled romp through '90s nostalgia, Guns delivers with unapologetic gusto.