Gun Shy

Charlie (Liam Neeson) is a nervous wreck, and for good reason: his job as an undercover DEA agent is fraught with danger, and his last assignment very nearly got him killed. With one last big bust to accomplish before the agency will let him retire, Charlie--now nearly paralyzed with fear--seeks the services of a psychiatrist who convinces him that group therapy may help. During the course of treatment, Charlie's arc intersects those of two very offbeat characters: in his undercover work, Fulvio (Oliver Platt), a Mafioso wannabe whose confidence Charlie must win; and in therapy, a gastroenterological nurse, the self-titled "enema queen" Judy (Sandra Bullock), who discovers that the way to Charlie's heart is through his colon. 'Nuff said. This first feature from writer-director Eric Blakeney has its moments, but it can't decide on what it wants to be when it grows up: a satire, a romantic comedy, or a Farrelly Brothers gross-fest. Platt steals just about every scene he's in, but neither Neeson nor Bullock look like they know what to make of the motley material, a confusion the audience is likely to share. Not recommended. (S. C. Sickles) [Blu-ray/DVD Review—Oct. 30, 2018—Kino Lorber, 101 min., R, DVD: $14.95, Blu-ray: $24.95—Making its latest appearance on DVD and debut on Blu-ray, 2000’s Gun Shy features a decent transfer and a DTS-HD 5.1 soundtrack. Extras include audio commentary by writer-director Eric Blakeney. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a wildly uneven film.]