Karry Best movie of this year hands down!

Listonixio Fresh and Exciting

Bluebell Alcock Ok... Let's be honest. It cannot be the best movie but is quite enjoyable. The movie has the potential to develop a great plot for future movies

Cristal The movie really just wants to entertain people.

wes-connors Flashbacks to his childhood and World War II service show our narrator's strong bond with guns... In the present, our elderly storyteller James Coburn (as Martin Tillman) lives in Vermont, with his beautiful wartime bride Barbara Bain (as Anne). Their snowy Christmas is brightened by a visit from daughter Virginia Madsen (as Penny). The family has overcome life's problems, and is a obviously a loving unit. During an immaculately prepared dinner, we learn details about the family's latest crisis - Mr. Coburn's granddaughter Alexandra Holden (as Mia) has run away from home. While daughter Madsen takes care of some Christmas shopping, Coburn secretly meets with young Holden. Or, so it seems… Writer/director Alan Jacobs tells a good story about a man coming to grip with tragedy; secondarily, we see the consequences of being quick on the trigger...In hindsight, you can see the intent, but "American Gun" has some serious editing flaws. There is also one unforgivable "cheat" - during one of the film's shootings, a sound effect does not coincide with later events. The film tells the story of the "American Gun" responsible for the tragedy that befalls Coburn. He decides to trace ownership of the offending .357 Magnum, which he is able to obtain from the local police. Using the serial number, Coburn finds out how the gun was used across America. At the same time, Coburn looks for his granddaughter (who goes to the restroom without her purse). Most notably, this was the last feature film for Coburn (and, surprisingly, his real-life young wife Paula O'Hara, who play an attractive woman with car trouble).***** American Gun (6/13/02) Alan Jacobs ~ James Coburn, Barbara Bain, Virginia Madsen, Alexandra Holden

KMeister1 I tried to watch "American Gun" while reading the paper on a Sunday afternoon but soon found myself reading less and watching more. It's a fascinating story about Martin Tillman (played by James Coburn in his last film), an elderly man dealing with the shooting death of his daughter by embarking on a journey to trace the history of the gun used to kill her.Every performance is solid: Virginia Madsen, playing the daughter, Barbara Bain (remember her in the "Mission Impossible" TV show?) as Tillman's wife, Alexandra Holden as their wayward granddaughter...but it's Coburn's movie, to be sure, and he quietly dominates the film even during moments in which he is silent."American Gun" isn't a preachy movie about gun ownership in America at all. It's an intelligent film about the odyssey of a man reflecting on--actually haunted by--his own past as he travels across the country in his obsession to know the history of the gun for reasons that are not completely revealed until the very end of the film--in a surprise twist I'm sure nobody saw coming.Sit down and watch "American Gun" from start to finish. And forget about trying to read the paper, knit, wash the dishes or whatever while it's on. Just be engrossed by talented film-making featuring a talented cast and director anchored by well-written script.

lee nicholson (dolemite72) JAMES COBURN bowed out like true star in AMERICAN GUN, a strange, yet rewarding cross between ON GOLDEN POND and THE LIMEY (with shades of THE CROSSING GUARD). And for once (oh well, maybe twice) COBURN does not come accross all smooth, cool and calm. He is very human, and is capable of making mistakes (one rather big one, it turns out!) and the director only gives you as many clues as he wants, so that when the events playback in sequence (and only in that order) does the viewer, fully understand the whole story. The final shot of COBURN, all bitter and twisted, yet slightly redeemed, is rather haunting COBURN asside, every performance in this movie is spot-on. The ever gorgeous VIRGINIA MADSEN especially effective, in the few scenes she's in. Once again, i cannot praise this fine movie, but it must be watched till the end (and in one sitting) to be truly appreciated. Oh well, JAMES COBURN, your 'star' will continue to shine on in heaven. But back here on earth, you shone also. You left the world, a better place than when you first found it.10 out of 10

purpleaddict I saw this film at the Sonoma Film Festival earlier this year and was pleasantly surprised. It was not what I was expecting.James Coburn gave a tremendous performance and all the other actors were very good as well.I was able to buy into what the film was selling, but I was not expecting the twist at the end. About ten minutes before the twist was revealed, I starting thinking this was the direction they were headed. I just sat there thinking "No, that can't be where they are taking this." It was difficult to see the ending and I felt disturbed by the movie for a while afterwards.I recommended it to friends and think it is well worth seeing.