Stacy Cochran's debut feature is a wonderful slice of independent-film life, back in the days of the early '90s, when independent movies were about quirky characters and amiably meandering plots, not about sexy, slicked-up "Will it sell at Sundance?" panache. Her deadpan writing and directing style is reminiscent of cult fave Hal Hartley, but without the willful and calculated weirdness. My New Gun is more organic, the plot slowly growing out of the wry situations and idiosyncratic characters, from protoslacker Skippy, whom LeGros invests with boy-next-door sweetness and slightly dangerous sexiness, to Debbie's lone female friend, Myra (Maddie Corman), a blushing bride-to-be who can't even drink alcohol at her own wedding reception. As Debbie, Lane (the model turned actress of The Outsiders and Rumble Fish) gives a standout performance of one woman's awakening to her less-than-perfect life. This film marked a new beginning for an underrated actress who consistently delivers spellbinding performances (A Walk on the Moon, Lonesome Dove)--she's a phenomenal talent to watch. And look for Philip Seymour Hoffman (Magnolia) in a small part as Skippy's fast-food coworker. --Mark Englehart