The buddy cop genre gets a new entry this weekend as the action thriller 2 Guns blasts its way to movie screens.
It stars Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg as two undercover agents working different sides of law enforcement (one is DEA and the other is Naval intelligence), forced to come together to bring down a common enemy. In other words, this is formula filmmaking all the way but despite its recognizable flavor is still an action-packed ride.
When we first meet our mismatched pair, their chemistry is natural and infectious. Wahlberg in particular lets the jokes fly and gives the audience permission to relax and enjoy the R-rated ride. The action in 2 Guns quickly escalates into our heroes being double-crossed by their own government after an attempt to rip off a Mexican drug cartel goes south. From there the bullets start flying, loyalties are tested and bodies start piling up.
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2 Guns is loud and moves at a rapid pace, something that is a staple of the action genre but something that is also used to cover up plot holes and inconsistencies. The film is nowhere near perfect when it comes to this regard but it doesn’t have to be. All it has to do is entertain and on that basis alone, it succeeds. The film’s climax is ludicrous, there is gratuitous nudity and some of the plot twists are telegraphed early on but again, this is pure popcorn entertainment.
After a summer that has seen many wannabe blockbusters fall short of engaging with their audience, it’s refreshing to see a movie that gives you exactly what you’re expecting.
Credit for elevating this material into a genuine thrill ride obviously goes to leads Washington and Wahlberg but the supporting cast puts in solid work as well. Edward James Olmos, Bill Paxton, Paula Patton and James Marsden all have their own moments to shine in 2 Guns. Director Baltasar Kormakur delicately balances them all together without dragging the film down. Kormakur previously worked with Wahlberg on last year’s smuggling thriller Contraband and he knows how to get a fun, genuine performance out of him. Few directors know how to use Wahlberg as a comedic actor and his turn here proves that when he wants to, he can be a surprisingly engaging actor.
Grade: B
Rated: R (for violence throughout, language and brief nudity)
2 Guns opens in theaters on August 2, 2013.
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