© Sony Pictures Releasing GmbH

2 Guns
U.S.A. 2013

Opening 26 Sep 2013

Directed by: Baltasar Kormákur
Writing credits: Blake Masters, Steven Grant
Principal actors: Denzel Washington, Mark Wahlberg, Paula Patton

Bobby Trench (Denzel Washington) and Marky Mark, sorry, Michael “Stig” Stigman (Mark Wahlberg) are two undercover agents attempting to infiltrate a Mexican drug cartel. They have been working together for quite some time, but here’s the catch: Bobby doesn’t know Stig is undercover and vice versa. Hijinks ensue. Yawn.

2 Guns is another foray into the tired trope of buddy cop films. At first it seemed like it might turn out to be something different. The mistaken identity issue of the main protagonists, the brutality of the drug cartel and the dark humor seemed to point towards a grittier take on the genre. However, as the movie drags on, and drag it does, it becomes clear that it is just reusing the same-old same-old storylines better used in previous films. It is entirely predictable, feels much longer than its 100-minute length, and the characters failed to make any impression.

In fact, it was so unremarkable and frankly boring it doesn’t even deserve a longer review. With its lackluster storyline, Marky Mark yet again playing himself and even Denzel Washington barely trying to act, there is no real value to this film. Skip it and go watch your favorite oldie-but-goodie buddy cop film (perhaps Hot Fuzz [2007] or The Guard [2011]), you will have an infinitely better time. (Rose Finlay)

 
 
 
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