Gun Shy (2000, dir. Eric Blakeney)

Gun Shy (2000, dir. Eric Blakeney)

What Is It?: A quirky romantic comedy about a stressed-out DEA agent played by Liam Neeson who's trying to weather one last mission by attending group therapy sessions and dating Sandra Bullock.

What About It?: In a world of romantic comedies where nary a character is recognizable as a real human being, this piece of piffle is worth the 101 minutes of your time. The wildly underrated (and underused, in most films) Oliver Platt delivers what should have been a star-making supporting role as the mob underboss that Neeson is trying to bust. We're particular fans of Neeson -- he has a way of carrying his hulking frame in such a manner that makes him both approachable and extremely likable. And he shines in what feels like an underwritten role. The only real downside of the film is that it grinds to a halt whenever Bullock (who also produced) is on screen. Her character isn't given any motivation or reason to exist outside of providing an attractive foil for Neeson's, and that seems to be too little.

Why Should I See It?: For Platt and Neeson's individual performances and for their chemistry together. Official Friend of the Lost Classic, JM, hated this movie and commented that it has no business being recommended to anyone. While we respect his opinion, we still find that there are many small pleasures to be had in watching this lightweight, under-seen comedy.

What Else Is It Like?: Amateur, Panic, Analyze This.

When Is It Playing Until ON DEMAND?: 2/15/07

Watch It ON DEMAND On Comcast Cable.

-- ddt/pdx

What's New This Week (That's Worth Watching to One Degree or Another)?: ... And Justice for All, Body Double, The Wings of the Dove, Breaking News, The Dark Half, Das Boot, Only Angels Have Wings, Playing God, A Raisin in the Sun, The Scout, Sherlock Holmes in New York, Young Guns of Texas.