Movie producers dream of obtaining reliable stars. Having performers who are certain box office attractions and generate publicity is always a bonus in film-making. It makes sense those behind 2 Guns hired noted actors Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg. Having established reliable credentials, their inclusion in 2 Guns would be a sure-starter. 2 Guns works due to their fine chemistry and handling of some explosive action sequences.
Robert Trench (Washington) and Michael Stigman (Wahlberg) are criminals working for drug-lord Papi Greco (Edward James Olmos). What they don’t know is both are undercover agents wanting to infiltrate Greco’s cartel. Discovering their secrets and double crossed by unseen enemies, they go on the run. With drug money at stake and a litany of villains on their tail, Trench and Stigman must form an alliance to battle their fearsome opponents.
2 Guns is a barn-storming ride, hardly stopping for breath. It’s a tough, mean world its characters inhabit and they aren’t afraid to kick ass. As they dive into the scrum of villainy to take what they think is rightfully theirs, anything can happen. This unpredictability makes 2 Guns a lot of fun. You never know when the next twist or double-cross will arrive. This aids in the guessing-game of how events will resolve themselves – although you know guns and explosions will occur.
Befitting their star status, Washington and Wahlberg make a great team. Almost a crooked version of the Lethal Weapon series, the sardonic banter comes as fast as the bullets they fire. Baltasar Kormakur directs proceedings with steely confidence and handles the action well. The smart screenplay he has to play with has a fine blend of action and mischief leading to an unpredictable outcome.
2 Guns is an enjoyable crime caper. Fast, furious and full of danger, it provides pure escapist nonsense in a violent and quirky fashion.
Reviewed by Patrick Moore
Rating out of 10: 8
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