Review: ‘Guns’ and ‘Do or Die’ on Special Edition Blu-Ray

September 12, 2019

By now, assuming you’ve read my previous articles (here and here), you’ll know about my love for the films of Andy Sidaris. The pioneer director of television sports shows in the seventies moved to feature films. His greatest accomplishments began to take shape in 1985 with the release of Malibu Express, the first film of twelve and released in a span of thirteen years. On September 17, Mill Creek Entertainment is going to release the fifth and sixth entries, Guns (1990) and Do or Die (1991). We’re going to take a look at each release and see if they’ll live up to the standards of the previous releases.

In Guns, Juan Degas (Erik Estrada) is an arms smuggler who plans on smuggling some state of the art weapons into the United States through Hawaii. The only people standing in his way are two very L.E.T.H.A.L. Ladies, Donna (Dona Spier) and Nicole (Roberta Vasquez). His initial plan to take them out fails and the ladies enlist the help of their fellow agents to take him down. The chase takes them from Hawaii to Vegas, when the vendetta becomes personal as Degas kidnaps Donna’s mother. Will Donna’s emotions get in the way of her competently performing her job? Or will her expert training help keep her head clear in order to do what needs to be done?

My major issue with Guns is that it has always felt like it took itself a bit too seriously. There’s nothing wrong with that, but coming off the Spier/Carlton Trilogy, which was so insanely fun, it takes a little to adjust to. It also marked the return of Roberta Vasquez in a brand new role. She plays Nicole, Donna’s new partner. If you’re watching the films in order, it takes a moment to adjust to her character. There’s a different type of chemistry between the two. I hate comparing, but it takes a little to warm up to her.

Erik Estrada is one of the more interesting villains. He brings this slick and sleazy quality to Degas no one else could. It’s also interesting to see Danny Trejo in an early role. The action keeps coming throughout, never giving the audience time to breathe, so the intensity is intact and that’s all that matters. It’s still a worthy entry and it doesn’t disappoint. You also won’t want to miss the musical numbers from the talented Cynthia Brimhall. Also of note, an Abilene makes it past one movie. Guns features the return of Michael Shane as Shane Abilene with far more screen time than in the previous outing.

Do or Die is the most deadly adventure yet for Donna (Spier) and Nicole (Vasquez) as they are confronted by the evil Kane (Pat Morita) who has nefarious plans for the duo. The two special agents have been thwarting his exploits for years and he’s officially fed up with it. He devises a dangerous game, they will be given a head start but he’s hired the best assassins from around the world to hunt them down. Will they be ready for the onslaught of attacks or maybe fall victim to Kane’s twisted plans? If their team has it their way, the girls won’t have anything to worry about because they always stick together.

Do or Die feels much more like a proper film in the series. It’s a little bit silly, a little bit sexy, and filled with non-stop action. Much of the cast from the previous entry returns, including Erik Estrada! Wait, what? You heard it correctly, Erik Estrada returns to the fold, but not as a villain. He plays an entirely new character named Rico Estevez and is one of the good guys this time. It’s always a pleasure watching this man in just about anything.

Pat Morita is the bad guy this time out, but he seems a bit too laid back for the role, maybe too Miyagi. He does have one of the best lines in the film, and I won’t ruin it for you. Once you hear it, you’ll know what I mean. This one also brings more exploding remote-controlled vehicles into the fold and if you ask me, you can never have enough. Do or Die brings us half way through the series and so far, never a dull moment.

More people should be watching these pictures and enjoying them for what they are. Thumbs up to Mill Creek for doing a fantastic job and please… keep them coming!