Mark Wahlberg leads the cast of
Contraband, a fast-paced thriller about a man trying to stay out of a world he worked so hard to leave behind and the family he’ll do anything to protect. Set in New Orleans, the film explores the cutthroat underground world of international smuggling-full of desperate criminals and corrupt officials, high-stakes and big payoffs-where loyalty rarely exists and death is one wrong turn away.
Here’s the synopsis of the movie:
Chris Farraday (Mark Wahlberg) long ago abandoned his life of crime, but after his brother-in-law, Andy (Caleb Landry Jones), botches a drug deal for his ruthless boss, Tim Briggs (Giovanni Ribisi), Chris is forced back into doing what he does best- running contraband-to settle Andy’s debt. Chris is a legendary smuggler and quickly assembles a crew with the help of his best friend, Sebastian (Ben Foster), for one final run to Panama and back, hoping to return with millions in counterfeit bills.
Things quickly fall apart and with only hours to reach the cash, Chris must use his rusty skills to successfully navigate a treacherous criminal network of brutal drug lords, cops and hit men before his wife, Kate (Kate Beckinsale), and sons become their target.
The movie is an action-packed film with the right amount of suspense and humor (not intentionally done). Mark Wahlberg, like his other action films, delivered a good performance for Contraband. But it’s not just Mark Wahlberg that made an impact but also the villains that makes it hard for Mark Wahlberg. Caleb Landry Jones (
X-Men First Class) is irritatingly convincing as a troubled young man. Ben Foster (
X-Men: The Last Stand) is also amazing with his acting. His transformation here is just great. You can really feel all the emotions he is sending to the audience. And there’s Kate Beckinsale, who is also good in playing the fierce wife.
Although the story isn’t that original but there’s still this suspense and thrill with what will happen next. The story is actually not that predictable though if only it’s fast-paced then somehow it wont bore you a bit. The only thing that bothers me is Mark Wahlberg’s facial expression. Yes, he is too manly with that grouchy look but I hope he’ll get to smile sometime because his wrinkles are all over his forehead even if he ain’t talking.
Contraband is a good action film. And it has a powerful cast that you will enjoy every scenes.
“Contraband” opens in theaters this January 25, distributed and released by
United International Pictures through
Solar Entertainment Corporation.
