Tag: Mark Wahlberg

BALLS UP (2026)

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Directed By: Peter Farrelly 

Written By: Paul Wernick & Rhett Reese

Cinematography: John Brawley 

Editor: Sam Seig 

Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Paul Walter Hauser, Benjamin Bratt, Molly Shannon, Sacha Baron Cohen, Daniela Melchoir, Eric Andre, Eve DeDominici, Chelsey Crisp

Two marketers pitch a bold new condom World Cup sponsorship. After a booze-fueled scandal, they must outrun chaos to survive.

This film is one of the stupidest of the year, So far intentionally. Though expected to be disappointed. While the film certainly isn’t the best of the year. It is surprisingly hilarious.

Though one of the selling points of the movie is the gross out humor. Which shouldn’t come as a surprise considering it’s directed by Peter Farrelley. While this film certainly fits this formula of early 2000’s gross out comedies that are sensational and over the top. It stays within his wheelhouse. Though it still Manages to shock considering it stars Mark Wahlberg.

This comes across as another paycheck job for him. He tries to have enthusiasm, but he looks tired and exasperated. He seems to lack his usual charm in the lead, but he works in his role.

It ultimately boils down to being a buddy comedy where the two supposed mismatched leads learn to become friends. Though all their troubles and camaraderie. 

The true scene stealer of this film is Paul Walter Hauser. As usual in the co-lead. He stays believable, lovable and the Everyman throughout. Though there are certainly other cast members who have fun with their roles and are standouts such as Benjamin Bratt and Sasha Baron Cohen making a return to the big screen.

If you are not a fan of these types of films, this movie isn’t for you I think what when the audience over as you expected typically silly comedy and that leans more into the stupid and while it certainly stays that way, it’s also the gross out jokes that you’re just not expecting with such a pedigree.

While also having fun about the obsessions of men, people and a country never overly insulting but just ridiculous. It’s never quite off color but it is racing that enjoyable. It’s not a film. You might remember 15 minutes after you watch it though it is something that has definitely re-watchable and a guilty pleasure.

This isn’t the type of film you watch for the filmmaking or the acting it’s more film. You just watched to have fun and have a good time with no matter how ridiculous.

Grade: C 

FLIGHT RISK (2025)

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Directed By: Mel Gibson

Written By: Jared Rosenberg 

Cinematography: Johnny Derango 

Editor: Steven Rosenblim

Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Dockery, Topher

Grace, Leah Remini, Maaz Ali, Paul Ben-Victor, Eilise Patton, Monib Abhat 

A pilot transports an Air Marshal accompanying a fugitive to trial. As they cross the Alaskan wilderness, tensions soar and trust is tested, as not everyone on board is who they seem.

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to be honest, this phone plays like a TV movie from the 80s or 90s though what makes it worthy of the big screen is that it’s directed by Mel Gibson and that it stars Mark Wahlberg, whose idea of stretching to play a villain was making his character partly bald 

As most of this phone takes place on a small carrier plane where reluctant witness is going to testify against the mobster with an FBI agent as his chaperone and the pilot who ends up not being who he supposed to be, but actually a hitman 

Even when he is taken down, but not killed, they have to figure out how to fly the plane to safety, as well as finding out who exactly they can trust and who the mole might be in the organization largely off screen, so we only hear their voices, though as soon as I heard Leah remini’s voice. I knew it instantaneously.

The film is cut and dry though it tries to stay suspenseful with some shocks and a bit of action. Even though for the most part the film is pretty predictable.

It’s one of those film Where you wonder why the cast and director of Gibson’s stature decided to make this film. Which seems simple even by Netflix standards. 

Was he trying to sharpen his directing chops or was this a favor to someone he owed. As that can be the only explanation for Mark Wahlberg’s involvement as a favor to Gibson and try Playing a heel in a movie he didn’t suspect many would see or just for fun and the film Doesn’t totally rest on his shoulders. 

If you are looking for a movie with low stakes or just to play in the background that is pure blockbuster popcorn. This might be the film for you. As it is very lite and unassuming.

Grade: D+ 

FATHER STU (2022)

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Written & Directed by Rosalind Ross
Cinematography: Jacques Jouffret 
Editor: Jeffrey M. Werner 

Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Mel Gibson, Jacki Weaver, Malcolm McDowell, Teresa Ruiz, Jack Kehler, Aaron Morten, Cody Fern, Carlos Leal

Follows the life of Father Stuart Long, a boxer-turned-priest who inspired countless people during his journey from self-destruction to redemption. Based on a true story. 

The film obviously speaks to the beliefs and sensibilities of the two stars of the film Mark Wahlberg and Mel Gibson. It’s a truly inspirational story that ends up redeeming itself in the end. 

The film takes a while to get started and Mark Wahlberg looks a bit old for the leading role, but he does what the role Calls for, staying self-deprecating.  yet charismatic and quite funny. Not to mention gets to play an extraordinary human character. 

Mel Gibson plays his father in a mode he is becoming quite familiar with. That is usually ex-alcoholic and/or white trash. Here he has a chance at a more dramatic role. Where at times he is thrown into stereotype and at others you truly can feel him as the character.

The romance angle is perfectly handled as it takes its time and by the time he has finally gotten what he wanted. Yet still hasn’t made a complete change a tragedy happens that makes him devote his life to god. 

What truly sets the film and story apart is that after that tragedy another tragedy is revealed and while it gives the film a curve from the by-numbers way it seems like it was going. It also adds dramatic depth that the film had already given us an abundance of, but then finally and truly felt.

Truthfully the film that seems lively at first truly doesn’t come alive and exciting until that second act when he is truly trying to strive for bigger and better things. Even throughout the film, his character seems to be searching and trying for something new to fulfill himself and change his life for the better.

Based on a true story you can only do so much, but this film is an uplifting story and a crowd-pleaser. It is hard to knock it, but it is definitely not a film I could imagine watching more than once.

Grade: C

ME TIME (2022)

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Written & Directed by: John Hamburg 
Cinematography: Kris Kachikis 
Editor: Melissa Bretherton 

Cast: Kevin Hart, Mark Wahlberg, Regina Hall, Tahj Mowry, Diane Delano, Andrew Santino, John Amos, Anna Maria Horsford, Jimmy O. Yang, Shira Gross, Ilia Isorelys Paulino, Seal, Luis Gerardo Mendez 

Follows a dad who finds time for himself for the first time in years while his wife and kids are away. He reconnects with a friend for a wild weekend.

This is another buddy comedy or big star team-up for Netflix 

A meeting of the minds of two superstars. Mark Wahlberg and Kevin hart. Who seems to have lately made a career in these types of movies. 

Unfortunately, he is Usually in subpar comedies that barely Pass being believable and this film is no exception. In fact, it plays like a lighter and safer version of  VACATION FRIENDS with Lil rel Howery and John Cena. Though this film is racy itself.

The film’s Humor is more on the shocking side, but only because you have not seen the performers be so open to this type of humor before. 

While I would never say this film is a game Changer or offers something the audience hasn’t seen before. I have to admit I liked it purely as a guilty Pleasure. 

The film Made me laugh plenty of times. Yeah, the jokes were stupid but the film Feels fun and it is one of the few times recently where it actually feels like Kevin Hart is putting in an effort and trying. 

The film tries to humanize the characters more by presenting a married man in a rut. Flirting with having a more carefree lifestyle like his friend and his friend having to learn to take responsibility. While as life king friends allowing them to bond and get into misadventures. 

Maybe it’s the bigger name cast or the feeling that they are having as much fun making the film. As one might have watched the film. 

Even though Mark Wahlberg Seems A Little lost when it comes to his character. He shows that he is fake for whatever the film or the scenes throw at him And gets in with full gusto. Even though most of the situations make no sense. They at least seem to be somewhat inspired. 

Ilia Isorelys Paulino steals all Of her scenes and helps enliven the movie whenever she is on screens 

This is a nice time waster as long as you don’t think Too hard. As it might be that I have gotten used to Hart’s films like this. Don’t know if it is any better or worse than his usual. It could be that we are so used to the quality now that we accept it and just go with it or maybe this one does try a little more. As at least this film’s cast is more recognizable.

Written & Directed by veteran screenwriter John Hamburg, who in the past has written and co-written scripts for Ben Stiller in particular. Maybe he helped up the standards of the material. 

Grade: C

JOE BELL (2021)

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Directed By: Reinaldo Marcus Green
Written By: Larry McMurtry & Diana Ossana
Cinematography: Jacques Jouffret 
Editor: Mark Sanger 

Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Reid Miller, Connie Britton, Gary Sinise, Charles Halford, Maxwell Jenkins, Morgan Lily 

The true story of a small town, a working-class father who embarks on a walk across the U.S. to crusade against bullying after his son is tormented in high school for being gay. Meanwhile, he realizes he is instead missing out on his son’s life back at home.

Though based on a true story it’s a movie that feels more ideal in its instincts to produce a message. Even as the exact message isn’t quite so clear and makes the film feel awkward about its own subjects.

As it is definitely a message movie that ends up being about the main character rather than its message. As we follow an all-American mid-west manly man the films seems to take aim at trying to court for the film. As he deals not only with his son’s sexuality but the lack of acceptance he offered which leads to tragedy and guilt that threatens to Tear him And his family apart.

So the film seems aimed at the character trying to Make amends for his past. What the film is trying to do, Spread the message of his cause and humanize it into acceptance. 

Especially with a tough guy action star Mark Wahlberg is sensitive and open emotionally. Learning the lessons of his wrongs while also learning to be accepting. Even learning to fight for it. Hoping to open more audience members eyes and hearts to teach them about being open to others who are not like them, but help and protect them against prejudice. 

Though for as honorable as the character might be. It shows how hypocritical the character can be and how damaged he is by guilt. Allowing for a complex character, but makes the film More about him Then the message.

Luckily all the performances are believable and strong. Which is a particular strength of director Reinaldo Marcus Green in his previous films KING RICHARD and MONSTERS AND MEN he usually Gets grounded performances out of the stars more than expected by burying them so deep that it never feels Like showboating or a stunt. 

The film manages to stay on message by trying to be poignant. It feels heavy-handed but that might be what is needed in trying to send this film’s message. As not to be some kind of saintly or martyred movie or make one of the wrong characters. Instead of trying to make it a character study.

The film is admirable, we see the main character break down and cry. We watch him as he goes downtrodden and even beat up.  

Connie Britton’s character is the strongest throughout. As she is no-nonsense and always feels truthful. She quickly becomes the film’s heart. As she always seems in the right place with most scenes built to get an emotional reaction.

The film shows the horror of bullying and the prejudices you face when being LGBTQ+ in a small and small-minded community and what is going Against them. 

The film also manages to show some good people in the world and that through it all. We are all Messed up and have our own personal problems, but we should try to help and support one another. That maybe you dislike or choose to hate, has nothing to do with them and says something more about you.

The film spells it all out in the third act. If you think it might be too subtle. Those you love let them know you love and support them. Accept them for who they ate or it might forever haunt you literally.

This is a good-hearted film that feels like it is pandering to a degree. As the story is more told in the aftermath. While literally showing is to don’t judge another until you have walked a mile in their shoes.

The film didn’t seem to ah e much attention upon release. It was on my radar to watch especially with mark Wahlberg trying a more dramatic socially conscious role. Which is a kind of relief from his other usual roles where there is always a certain comfort that can feel Smug or overbearing. 

Even if it feels hypocritical and heavy-handed at times. Especially the Ending. Where it really hits home. As a tragedy with flashbacks. Though have to go with the true story and try to inform. What might have happened on the road. As the film ends up being episodic more about dealing with guilt. That strays from

The message. Especially with speeches that seem not that special and just more short homespun wisdom That could be said at group therapy or an AA meeting. As they Don’t Come off enlightening just basic 

Grade: C+

2 GUNS (2013)

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Directed By: Baltasar Kormakur
Written By: Blake Masters
Based on the boom! studios graphic novels By: Steven Grant
Cinematography: Oliver Wood
Editor: Michael Tronick

Cast: Denzel Washington,Mark Wahlberg, Paula Patton,Edward James Olmos, Bill Paxton, James Marsden, Robert John Burke, Fred Ward, Patrick Fischler

Two hardened criminals get into trouble with the US border patrol after meeting with a Mexican drug lord, and then revelations start to unfold.

The film is fun though it is always predictable and you know how it is going to turn out. Though luckily the film keeps us on our toes and interested to see how we will get there.

Didn’t know that the film was actually based on a graphic novel. Though Mark Wahlberg is more an old hat at taking on roles originated elsewhere and in graphic novels. Denzel Washington not so much. 

 The twists and turns are appreciated to keep the film lively and drive the story forward.

The action sequences are impressive. You can tell the two stars are having in with the material, maybe even then the audience. As each doesn’t stretch too far in their roles and falls back to their charms and talents.

This is the type of film where the plot comes off as an afterthought. Though complicated this film seems more invested in the chemistry of the two stars and how much they can interact as superstars. As well as an emphasis on action sequences and who comes out on top in them.

A buddy action comedy is only tougher, involving more death and violence. With two Movie stars, you normally don’t see Co-Starring in each other’s Films. Which is really what brings the audience to this film more than the actual story. 

Shocked, the movie isn’t directed by a frequent collaborator for Denzel Washington Antoine Fuqua. As it has the same polish as his films but lacks the drama needed for one of his films. 

Paula Patton seems more here as eye candy with a surprising amount of nudity. She does set the movie forward. Between this and the movie FLIGHT, Denzel Washington being involved with younger women and having nudity brings one back to the films of yesteryear though admittedly gratuitous, but so much of this film already is still stylish. 

This film is almost like a veteran movie as most cast members are recognizable and here more to chew the scenery but at least they come off as they are having fun. That energy extends to the viewer and makes this film entertaining while you take none of it seriously 

It’s not god’s gift to make a decent action thriller with a bunch of intentional laughs. At least the movie offers an intriguing story that does hold the audience’s interest other than having the two stars teaming up or battling one another amongst the more ridiculous elements. It has suspenseful moments. 

Though honestly if you are a fan of either or both of the stars of this movie. You will like it thus making it criticism-proof in the long run. Especially when the film is better down than expected

Grade: B-  

SPENSER CONFIDENTIAL (2020)

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Directed By: Peter Berg
Written By: Sean O’Keefe & Brian Helgeland
Based On Characters Created By: Robert Parker
Based On The Novel By: Ace Atkins
Cinematography: Tobias A. Schliessler
Editor: Michael L. Sale 


Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Winston Duke, Alan Arkin, Iliza Shlesinger, Michael Gaston, Marc Maron, Bokeem Woodbine, Colleen Camp, Post Malone, James Dumont 


When two Boston police officers are murdered, ex-cop Spenser teams up with his no-nonsense roommate, Hawk, to take down criminals.

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RENAISSANCE MAN (1994)

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Directed By: Penny Marshall
Written By: Jim Buerstein
Cinematography: Adam Greenberg
Editor: George Bowers & Battle Davis 


Cast: Danny DeVito, Gregory Hines, Stacey Dash, Mark Wahlberg, Kadeem Hardison, Lilo Brancato, Khalil Kain, Ed Begley Jr., James Remar, Richard T. Jones, Cliff Robertson, Ann Cusack, Greg Sporleder, Alanna Ubach, Matt Kessler, Isabella Hoffman 


A down-on-his-luck businessman desperately takes the only job offered – a teacher in the U.S. Army. His mission: keep a ragtag bunch of underachieving misfits from flunking out of basic training! Be on alert as this unlikely new teacher and his underdog class unexpectedly inspire each other to be all they can be!

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LONE SURVIVOR (2013)

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Written & Directed By: Peter Berg
Based On The Novel By: Marcus Lutrrell & Patrick Robinson
Cinematography By: Tobias A. Schliessler
Editor: Colby Parker Jr. 


Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Ben Foster, Emile Hirsch, Eric Bana, Yousef Azami, Alexander Ludwig, Jerry Ferrara, Peter Berg

Marcus Luttrell, a Navy Seal, and his team set out on a mission to capture or kill notorious al Qaeda leader Ahmad Shahd, in late June 2005. After running into mountain herders and capturing them, they were left with no choice but to follow their rules of engagement or be imprisoned. Now Marcus and his team are left to fight for their lives in one of the most valiant efforts of modern warfare.

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