Film Review: Mark Wahlberg Steals Unexpected Comedic Spotlight Amid ‘2 Guns’ Bromance

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CHICAGO – While you wouldn’t normally compare the new action/comedy “2 Guns” with the comedy “I Love You, Man,” really the only difference between what Mark Wahlberg and Denzel Washington are doing now versus what Paul Rudd and Jason Segel did in 2009 is that “2 Guns” uses crime as the means by which two grown men fall in love with one another.

Rating: 3.5/5.0

Based on the Boom! Studios graphic novels by Steven Grant, “2 Guns” is an unexpected bromance with just enough action to give its original subject matter justice and the surprising discovery of comedy to make it an overall worthy film to see. Mark Wahlberg doesn’t only co-star in this film; he steals the show. Refreshingly, he does not just his gun but even more so with his mouth.

Read Adam Fendelman’s full review of “2 Guns”.

Wahlberg executes the role of Michael “Stig” Stigman by simultaneously entertaining your eyes with action violence while making you laugh, too. He talks fast, delivers well-written one-liners and has just enough old-school comedy to keep your attention.

Now “2 Guns” does fall victim to predictable Hollywood formulas: the stock buddy cop setup, the bad guys who are trying to take them down, the hot girl who’s there just to be hot and help drive motivations, the crime (for which we can certainly appreciate it being across from the best donuts in town) and the resolution. Also, its pacing is inconsistent. The film starts strong and funny, but drags in the middle. Still, it finds a way to regain some steam through the end.

Continue for Adam Fendelman’s full “2 Guns” review.

Denzel Washington (left) and Mark Wahlberg in “2 Guns”.
Image credit: Patti Perret, Universal Studios

Continue for Adam Fendelman’s full “2 Guns” review.