What we're left with after watching "American Gun" isn't a sense of who's right or who's wrong, but more of a sadness that so many people feel so powerless and afraid that they think owning a gun will set things right.

Rather than blast us with a strong polemic, Avelino chooses to trace what are often the everyday ramifications of living in an armed society.

The guns seem to have been shoved in various characters' pockets as afterthought, and Avelino's interlocking stories never click.

While not a perfect movie by any means -- a few scenes feel forced -- there is plenty to recommend it, even beyond the truly great performances.

It’s so well done.

...more like talking points for a film than a finished product. The effects of violence and the gun trade are examined, but little light is shed.

Aside from a few moments of quiet pathos that ring true, Avelino's directorial debut is a calculated piece of cinematic outrage marred by on-the-nose dialogue and melodramatic contrivance.

While this is not exactly a hopeful movie, it's a polished exercise in the kind of social commentary that can wake people up.

Actually PAY MONEY to see this in a theater? No way.