Katie Holmes had to learn how to shoot a gun for 'Miss Meadows'.

The 35-year-old actress really enjoyed playing the titular character in her latest movie - which tells the story of a teacher who moonlights as a vigilante - partly because she got to handle a powerful weapon.

She said: ''Miss Meadows is a new character for me because she's kind of funny - a substitute teacher who turns into a vigilante when she sees a child being harmed.

''She was fun to play - plus, I learned how to shoot a gun.''

Katie - who has eight-year-old daughter Suri Cruise with ex-husband Tom Cruise - admits she is pleased to be back on the big screen after a few years off, and is ''excited'' about what other acting roles she might be offered in the future.

She added to HELLO! magazine: ''Work ebbs and flows but I have been fortunate recently to have more projects come my way.

''And because my child is growing up, I have a bit more time to focus on my work - and I'm excited about it.''