Starring: Denzel Washington, Mark Wahlberg and Paula Patton
Directed by: Baltasur Kormakur
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hr 49 mins
Universal
Our Score: 4 out 5 stars
Here is some advice shared by the film “2 Guns:” never rob a bank that’s directly across the street from a diner with the best doughnuts in three counties. Why? Because that’s where all the cops hang out. That revelation is made by Bobby Trench (Washington) to his partner Michael “Stig” Stigman (Wahlberg) as they plan to rob said bank of the $3 million they believe is inside courtesy of Mexican drug lord Papi Greco (Edward James Olmos). The job goes off without a hitch. Unless you call a haul of $43 million a hitch.
Full of fun action pieces and great cast chemistry, “2 Guns” joins this summer’s “The Heat” as the year’s best buddy/action film. Washington and Wahlberg have a natural rapport that gives the impression they’ve been pals for years. They argue and bicker like an old married couple while doing their best to stay a step ahead of the money’s owners. Things get crazier when each man discovers the other isn’t a thief but a member of opposing law enforcement agencies. As things get progressively hairier for the duo, they realize that the only one they can trust is each other.
Cleverly written and stylishly directed, “2 Guns” reunites Wahlberg with his “Contraband” director, Baltasur Kormakur. Kormakur has a smooth flowing style that lets the action pour over the screen like a water fall. Based on the popular graphic novel series of the same name, creator Steven Grant and writer Blake Masters have come up with possibly the best mismatched team of partners since Nick Nolte and Eddie Murphy cruised San Francisco in a baby blue Cadillac convertible in “48 Hours.” Both Washington and Wahlberg have great comic timing and they’re action chops need no explanation. The supporting cast also excels. It’s always a pleasure seeing Edward James Olmos on the big screen and he has fun with the role of Papi. Patton is Washington’s co-worker and on-again/off-again love interest. And as the man who wants his money back, Bill Paxton is both funny AND terrifying.