Contraband (2012)

It's alright.

That's a perfect description. Should you watch it? Yes. But I'd feel better about myself if I waited for this one and watched it at home.

This is a basic heist movie, but the details of the heist are not very clearly defined and presented to the audience. Oceans 11, Italian Job and the like really spell it out for you - in Contraband we just get a loose overview. The suspension of belief required in some areas of the movie just kind of deflates the entire film a bit. Not too much, just a bit. Maybe my expectations were too high?

Marky Mark does a fine job and the movie is fine. It's enjoyable. But, it's not great. And I want great from Wahlberg because I've gotten it before and I know he can do it. The other members of the cast range from passable to good, not great, except for Ribisi who really gets under your skin and delivers a menacing and chilling performance. No sex, but there are some beat 'em up scenes and graphic gun fights. The language is pretty clean overall - not unnecessarily vulgar at least.

In my opinion, Mark Wahlberg has been an inconsistent actor. He's had some high levels of success and other times it just seems like his movies are just OK. I wonder if he has internalized this and just works to collect a check... I don't know. I hope he frequently makes movies, but I also hope he makes a few more great ones, instead of just "alright."

With all that being said, I was entertained. It's a fine movie and good enough for the movie theater. But again, if you're trying to maximize your $10.00, take a look at some of the other offerings this week.