‘Guns & Moses’ – The Movie Hollywood Would Never Make

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Don’t hold your breath waiting for a film celebrating the “good guy with a gun” narrative.

Just as uncommon, a rabbi armed with guns might take upon himself the phrase “never again”. It appears to be an unusual scenario, yet it’s not entirely implausible.

The independent thriller “Guns & Moses” narrates the story of a disgruntled Rabbi who takes up arms after his friend’s murder. This tale, inspired by real-life incidents, was made prior to October 7th events. Its relevance couldn’t be more aptly timed for its advantage.

Sadly.

The movie “Guns & Moses” not only delves into Jewish customs, but its unique protagonist, Rabbi Mo, gives it an edge unlike any other action-thriller. Forget Dirty Harry, because this time, it’s the edible brownies that Rabbi Mo is carrying!

Rabbi Moses “Mo” Zaltzman, played by Mark Feuerstein, warmly receives a generous contribution from an old friend towards their synagogue. For years, Rabbi Mo has been operating out of a small storefront, and this donation from benefactor Alan Rosner, portrayed by Dermot Mulroney, will finally enable the congregation to grow.

At a commemoration event for Alan, a White Nationalist named Clay Gibbons (Jackson A. Dunn), who had past conflicts with Rabbi Mo, is suspected of having fatally shot him.

From the outset, I was certain that the case against the teenager was closed and cut-dried. Yet, something inside me nudged me to delve deeper into aspects of the case that local authorities had deemed insignificant. As I dug deeper, I became increasingly convinced that there were loose ends that needed tying up – not just for the sake of justice, but also to ensure the safety of my family. This investigation has become more than a quest for truth; it’s a matter of life and death.

We know what that means.

The number of affected individuals grows, making it increasingly clear who is involved and raising questions about motives. Avarice, renewable resources, and personal aspirations clash, potentially endangering even more people.

Can Rabbi Mo solve the murder, or will he be next on the killer’s “to-do” list?

The film “Guns & Moses” starts with music reminiscent of a western, intentionally so. If you changed the setting, this story would fit perfectly within that genre. However, director/co-writer Salvador Litvak is aware of the gravity of the situation. For a long time, Jews have been targets of attacks, and their vulnerability makes them easy prey.

The movie gains credibility with well-known actors adding depth to the storyline. Christopher Lloyd portrays a Holocaust survivor who movingly shares his past with a troubled adolescent. Neal McDonough, much like Pedro Pascal, finds himself in high demand, stars alongside as a mayor left shocked by Alan’s murder.

Jake Busey isn’t granted much screen time, but he leaves an impression as Clay’s stricken Pa.

The movie “Guns & Moses” skillfully challenges stereotypes, delving deeply into Jewish culture – aspects often overlooked in films. This unique approach lends an air of inventive intensity to the production.

In a more relaxed and conversational style: The main character in Feuerstein’s story is a reluctant hero who strives for redemption while also using weapons. He’s not your typical hero, and the seasoned actor consistently resists embodying his vigilante role.

He’s afraid but resolute, unwilling to become yet another statistic.

The movie concludes in a manner that appears logical on script, yet it disrupts the modest ambiance of the film. This development aligns with the theme, but the shift remains unexpectedly abrupt.

The message throughout remains clear. The villains in “Guns & Moses” messed with the wrong Rabbi.

Title Analysis: “Guns & Moses” Experiences a Dramatic Tone Shift in its Third Act, Yet Delivers a Heartfelt and Confident Cautionary Tale.

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2025-07-16 23:03