Kevin James and Christina Ricci Spill on Their Worst Jobs and ‘Guns Up’ vs. John Wick!

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but get excited about the upcoming action-comedy “Guns Up,” starring Kevin James and Christina Ricci. This movie definitely carries the DNA of John Wick, and it’s directed by Edward Drake. In this story, I find myself identifying with Ray Hayes, a family man who despises his job working for the mob, but does it to ensure his loved ones are taken care of. However, when the time comes to leave, getting out of the game proves to be more challenging than Ray ever imagined.

In this role, Ricci portrays Alice, a character who is married to Ray and wholeheartedly supports his aspirations. They both nurture a mutual dream of someday jointly opening a diner; however, this vision seems unattainable given Ray’s involvement with the mob.

In a recent conversation, Russ Milheim from TopMob had an engaging discussion with Kevin James and Christina Ricci, stars of the show “Guns Up”. While they touched upon numerous topics, the comparison to the “John Wick” franchise (which has been quite popular recently due to “Ballerina”) was one of the less discussed subjects.

Christina Ricci acknowledged that there are notable resemblances and potential comparisons, yet she believes this movie has a more humorous tone and carries a warmer, compassionate spirit, with a great deal of emotional depth.

Kevin James pointed out that the film bears an evident nod to action-packed series like John Wick, yet what sets it apart are its unique aspects: the inclusion of a family dynamic and a touch of sitcom charm.

During the conversation, Ricci shared updates about the production of Yellowjackets Season 4, and James hinted at some optimism for those waiting on Grown Ups 3.

The complete interview is provided beneath, detailing discussions between James and Ricci on past jobs they disliked, their roles in the film, and the significance of family in “Guns Up“.

This version aims to maintain a conversational tone while providing clarity and readability.

Kevin James and Christina Ricci On John Wick Similarities and Differences

While Guns Up Is “A Wink to John Wick,” It Has Its Own Beat to Play

  • TopMob: “A character in this film at one point asks, ‘Are you John Wick?’ Which I think is a perfectly valid comparison, especially for audiences to make, you know, because the film is about a man who wants to get out of the business, which leads to some crazy action sequences and consequences. How would you both say that this is both similar yet different from those films?”

Christina Ricci: There are shared traits and connections to be noticed, and it is appropriate to make distinctions. In my opinion, this movie leans more towards comedy and seems to possess a softer, possibly even nurturing essence at its heart. It revolves around family and portrays two parents who are striving to lead their children and themselves towards a brighter future. Ultimately, I believe it carries a great deal of emotion, which is why I would describe it as distinct.

Kevin James explained that the film subtly pays tribute to action movies like John Wick, but it also incorporates a strong family narrative, giving it a sense of familiarity reminiscent of sitcoms, as it explores family life and raising children. Simultaneously, it delves into the chaotic mob world, making for an intriguing blend of genres. In essence, that’s what the film essentially represents.

The Jobs That Kevin James and Christina Ricci Hated

From Painting to Babysitting, They’ve Had Their Fair Share of Bad Jobs

  • TopMob: “I have a fun question for you both, kind of thematic, with how Ray is fed up with his job. He just doesn’t love it. What is the job that you guys have both had, outside of acting, that you previously really hated with a passion, yet you needed to get it done anyway?”

Kevin James: A while ago, I tried my hand at several things. I’ve covered quite a bit of ground. You know, when I first started looking for jobs, way back then, I was actually a house painter with a friend of mine. He was already doing it, and he had the equipment set up. I needed something to keep busy during the summer months.

Essentially, the purpose was to find a way to finance an evening out with friends, so we resorted to painting houses together. Over time, his business flourished, but my passion for it didn’t match his level of enthusiasm.

As a movie enthusiast, I wouldn’t sweat the details like taping edges excessively. We were more of a dynamic duo, but my professionalism might have slipped a bit during our project, especially when we decided to have an epic paint fight – one of the most memorable moments from the last house I worked on. Unfortunately, that reckless behavior might have led to my dismissal. I think it was justified.

Christina Ricci started working at the snack bar at Montclair Beach Club during summertime as soon as she turned 13. At that age, she also took on babysitting jobs. However, she was not reliable, and it wasn’t safe for parents to leave their children under her care. Her babysitting career came to an end one evening when she and the kids almost got themselves arrested for vandalizing a nearby house with eggs.

Guns Up Stars Talk About The Importance of Family in Guns Up

Family is a Central Theme to the Action-Packed Movie.

  • TopMob: “Family is so important to the film and to the story being told. Can you both talk about how that topic is both so central to the narrative and then also how you worked to create the family dynamic between yourselves and your co-stars on set?”

Kevin James explains that the story is crucial because it portrays an over-the-top, ideally over-the-top in a good way, depiction of many people’s real lives. As a family, we witness the hardships experienced while trying to support children. In today’s world, it seems like these challenges are growing, requiring more and more resources, and as parents, we find ourselves needing to work harder and harder.

In simpler terms, the movie revolves around a family who push themselves extraordinarily hard, attending soccer games, football matches, practices, and school, all in the pursuit of excellence. They go to great lengths, sometimes even doing absurd things, to achieve their goals. This intense journey is at the heart of the film.

To truly function as a family and create genuine connections, one must collaborate with individuals who share similar values and emotions, and instantly click with each other. However, this camaraderie is precarious because even if you are knowledgeable about your roles, lacking that initial rapport can lead to an outcome that, though it might succeed, will never replicate the same authentic bond.

As a movie connoisseur, I must say that some moments on the silver screen are genuinely authentic and can’t be replicated. It’s those small, everyday scenes that make a connection between characters, like when she’s preparing a salad at the start, and they chat about their aspirations – these are the subtle interactions you can sense when two actors share a genuine bond on set. It’s as if they communicate without words, and it’s this unspoken chemistry that makes their performances feel so effortlessly natural. That’s what I experienced in this film.

In simpler terms, when you collaborate with outstanding individuals, it feels like working with family, as if the bond is natural and requires minimal effort.

As a movie enthusiast, I must say that we struck gold with this production. The camaraderie among us was palpable, and the set felt like a second home. To my delight, Keana Marie and Leo Easton Kelly truly shone in their roles, making every scene a joy to film. All pieces seemed to align perfectly for this project.

Kevin James on How His Character Ray Is Just Over It

Ray’s Old Job Isn’t Paying the Bills, But He Doesn’t Like His New One Either

  • TopMob: “Kevin, Ray is just—he’s done with his job. In fact, he’s never really liked it. Can you further paint a picture for audiences of Ray’s mindset as this movie starts, and how that’s going to evolve as the story unfolds?”

Kevin James: He has been serving his family and community for a considerable time, but he can now see the finish line and realizes that it won’t be enough to cover expenses, especially as the world keeps changing and people require more. In light of this, he feels the need to do the best he can for his children.

It seems unlikely that plan will work out as expected. I can almost envision the outcome, and it necessitates finding alternative methods to accomplish this. We’ll tackle it together, just like we always do when faced with challenges. [Ray’s wife] is aware of the situation, and we strive to keep it from the children, understanding that it might not be ideal, but we often shield them from complexities until they are ready to handle them. That’s our approach in this case as well.

Perhaps it’s not distorted or maybe it is, but regardless, it’s our method of striving to offer the best for our loved ones. We might not choose the most effective methods, but we work together on it. The ultimate aim, though, is this restaurant that has long been a dream of ours, so we’re navigating towards these aspirations in our unique family style, and the specific path we take may vary…

Christina Ricci Reveals the Secret to Alice and Ray’s Relationship

“They Are Honest With Each Other.”

Christina Alice plays an incredibly supportive role in Ray’s life, who happens to be a hitman. What is the secret behind their relationship? Also, what do you think makes Alice so understanding about her husband’s profession?

Christina Ricci expressed her belief that they truly care for one another, maintaining an honest connection with each other. While they may deceive their children, it’s important to note that they are not deceiving each other. In her opinion, both individuals deeply trust and believe in the other’s goodness, strengthening their bond. They share a strong and positive relationship.

The full video interview can be seen here:

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2025-07-19 02:07

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