Brie Larson and Sharlto Copley star in a scene from the movie "Free Fire." The Catholic News Service classification is L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. (CNS/courtesy of A24)

By Catholic News Service

The premise of this action comedy is that a single extended gunfight can sustain an entire film, provided the participants in the showdown keep making incongruously funny and mordant remarks. The setup involves a deal to buy assault rifles that quickly goes bad. So the two sides — represented, most prominently, by would-be gun buyer Brie Larson and arms dealer Sharlto Copley — spend the rest of the run time pulling their triggers and reloading while attempting to retrieve a briefcase loaded with cash.

Viewers willing to detach the violent proceedings from real life will discover the occasional humorous moment. But, ultimately, director Ben Wheatley’s film, co-written with Amy Jump, ends up a claustrophobic exercise in mindless conflict.

Pervasive gun and physical violence, fleeting gore, drug use, occasional profanities, constant rough language. The Catholic News Service classification is L — limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R — restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

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