Overview
Mark Wahlberg returns to the big screen in Contraband, an action-packed thriller hitting theaters this weekend. Directed by Baltasar Kormákur, the film stars Wahlberg as a reformed smuggler forced back into the criminal underworld when his brother-in-law makes a deadly mistake.
Plot Summary
A former smuggler, Chris Farraday (Mark Wahlberg) ventures to Panama in a desperate attempt to secure millions in fake currency, his mission driven by the need to shield his brother-in-law, Andy (Caleb Landry Jones) from a dangerous drug kingpin, Briggs, played by Giovanni Ribisi. Briggs meanwhile, has Chris''s family, including Chris's wife, Kate (Kate Beckinsale), hostage to assure that Chris accomplishes his mission.
What Works?
- Mark Wahlberg
. If you’re a fan of his tough-but-sympathetic screen presence, you’ll enjoy this film. Wahlberg brings a compelling intensity to the role, playing a good man who’s forced to do bad things to protect his family. It’s a classic anti-hero narrative, and Wahlberg handles it with his usual gritty charisma.
- Giovanni Ribisi: Though he's not the most intimidating bad guy you’ll ever see, Ribisi delivers a solid performance, bringing just enough wild unpredictability to his character to make things interesting.
What Doesn't Work
- Formulaic Storytelling: The plot is formulaic, and without its star power, it might’ve faded into the crowd of generic action flicks.
- Kate Beckinsale: Beckinsale is far too good of an actress to play such a merely functional role in Contraband.
Final Thoughts
Contraband is a serviceable action movie made notably better by its leading man. If you enjoy Mark Wahlberg’s work, it’s definitely worth checking out.
Rating
⭐ Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars]
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If you enjoyed this review, check out my takes on other Mark Wahlberg movies here.
