2 Guns

****
Release Date: August 16th 2013

A DEA agent and a naval intelligence officer find themselves on the run after a botched attempt to infiltrate a drug cartel. While fleeing, they learn the secret of their shaky alliance: Neither knew that the other was an undercover agent.

Director: Baltasar Kormakur (Contraband)

Starring: Denzel Washington, Mark Wahlberg, Bill Paxton, James Marsden, Edward James Olmos, Paula Patton

If you go into this with low expectations, you'll come out on a high. 2 Guns doesn't take heaps of intelligence to comprehend the plot, but it's a fine ride whilst it lasts.

It goes something like this: 'Bobby' (Washington) and 'Stig' (Wahlberg) and two crooks on a mission to rob a bank, but get more than they bargained for. The outcome: they find out that one is DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) and the other is US Navy intelligence. The duo not only turn on each other, they anger many government factions in the process, including the Mexican Cartel.

Some may relate this film with the recent release The Heat. The only similarity they bear is the casting pair rock together. Washington and Wahlberg are like chalk and cheese; veritably different mentalities, at the same time complimenting each others personality with quirky jokes and habits.

Fresh, original ideas are harder to come by when it comes to the film industry. A films narrative need only make sense and mise-en-scene can then fill in the gaps. As time goes on innovative ideas are few and far between. 2 Guns does not fall into this category.

Bill Paxton has been off the radar for a few years, only appearing in a couple of blockbusters but with no major input. His 'take no shit' attitude is foreboding... 'have you ever played Russian Roulette?' he asks, as the veterinary nurse quakes in fear, eyes pierced and focused on the bullets being laid out in front of him.

2 Guns is as straight laced as they come. Easy to follow and a thrill to watch... even if you know what's coming.

Overview: An amazing duo that's aesthetically pleasing. Narrative is strong, but familiar.