2 Guns

Criminals Robert Trench (Denzel Washington) and Michael Stigman (Mark Wahlberg) are caught crossing the border after they met with Mexican drug lord Papi Greco (Edward James Olmos). It turns out that Trench is an undercover DEA agent and he reports back to his superior that he does not have substantial evidence in order to convict Papi Greco. In an attempt to convict the drug lord, Robert Trench and Stigman rob a bank and steal $3,000,000 allowing an opportunity to convict the drug lord for money laundering (bit like how they got Al Capone for tax evasion).

However, after a successful heist a number of problems arise. Firstly, Stigman is also working undercover for the navy who wish to use the dirty and stolen money to fund their covert operations. The second issue is there was $43,000,000 rather than the expected $3,000,000 which leads to Earl (Bill Paxton) mercilessly perusing the thieves and ruthlessly interrogating anyone with any involvement in the robbery to claim back the $43,000,000. The navy attempt to kill Stigman (for failing to kill Trench) whilst Trench is framed for his bosses' murder, but will be cleared if he returns the $43,000,000, thus Stigman and Trench must find the money without assistance.

2 Guns is hardly bursting at the seams with originality, but for Icelandic director Baltsar Kormakur it marks a strong improvement over his previous effort Contraband (which also started Mark Wahlberg). 2 Guns is certainly an efficiently made action thriller, but the film is saved from falling into complete obscurity from two very good performances from the leads (Washington and Wahlberg) and a cracking supporting performance from Bill Paxton. The central paring of Washington and Wahlberg works effectively and the pairs’ quick fire and snappy dialogue saves the film from its rather ragged edges.

3/5