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Once again, Mark Wahlberg showcases his unwavering skill in portraying both intense action and comedic roles. He takes on the lead role in this glossy yet strangely unremarkable piece of content, flaunting his impressive abs. The film is helmed by the talented Simon Cellan Jones, who is recognized for his emotionally charged projects such as BBC TV’s Our Friends in the North.
Dan (Wahlberg), a used car salesman, is happily married to his wife Jessica (played by the talented but underused Michelle Monaghan) and they live in the suburbs with their three children. Despite appearances, Dan has a hidden past as a special forces soldier who was part of a covert mercenary team used by the government for classified missions.
Feeling repulsed by the immoral tasks he was being assigned, Dan decided to leave the world of violence behind and start over with a new identity. He met Jessica and now leads a mundane life, keeping his past a secret from his family. However, one day he is confronted by some former colleagues led by his former boss, Ciarán Hinds. Dan must retrieve his hidden collection of weapons, money, and fake passports from under the stairs and protect his confused family by taking them to Las Vegas.
The screenplay is executed with great efficiency and all parties involved promote it enthusiastically. There are frequent close-up shots of an adorable and content baby who never fusses regardless of the situation. However, the overly mechanical feel of the film ultimately works against it; Dan’s teenage son happens to be an exceptionally skilled video game player and the entire movie has a similar aesthetic to Grand Theft Auto.
Source: theguardian.com
