2 Guns: Movie Review

Dispensable is the first word that comes to mind after watching "2 Guns". It doesn't do anything earth-shattering or memorable to say the least and it definitely struggles with its long, convoluted and complicated plot. But here's the thing, there is also no denying that the clear as a bell chemistry and charisma of its two leads push the film to very watchable territory.

Two operatives, Bobby "Bobby Beans" Trench (Denzel Washington) and Michael “Stig” Stigman (Mark Wahlberg), are doing undercover work from competing bureaus but there is a big problem with their seemingly perfect partnership - neither knows that the other is an undercover agent (one from the DEA and one from the Navy). On their case is infiltrating the empire of drug cartel leader Papi Greco (Edward James Olmos). Bobby’s latest deal has him trading 500 American passports for cocaine, and Greco has come up with cash, not coke. As Bobby and Stig head back into the U.S. they are hauled into custody. Both of their superiors are less than pleased that they have come back empty-handed. Now, in an act of desperation, the partners devise a plan to rob the Tres Cruces Bank where Greco keeps most of his drug money. The two do the heist successfully but are shocked to find $43 million instead of the expected $3 million. Soon, they find that the money they stole is not actually Greco's but from an entity powerful enough to destroy their lives.

The biggest folly for "2 Guns" is the seeming identity crisis it has. On one hand, the film has that very light and loose feel with its bias towards the comedy genre. Quite frankly, this is the category where "2 Guns" shines most. The tandem of Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg works extremely well. Both characters have their own things that clash and eventually claw their way to make this buddy/frenemy funny and workable. On the other end of the spectrum though is where "2 Guns" fails to make any head way. The film seems to want to be taken more seriously than it should be. The plot, while mostly unbelievable, takes a more serious tone than its script. It also doesn't help that it feels like there is too much going on at a given moment. Overall, "2 Guns" is funny and has its fair share of action staple explosions but make sure to give it your utmost attention as well as the complicated plot may confuse.

Rating: 3 and a half reels





Why you should watch it:
- the two leads undeniable chemistry and charisma makes this one very watchable

Why you shouldn't watch it:
- the plot is too convoluted and yet feels generic at the same time