If you have ever seen a heist or smuggling movie, you will not be surprised by Contraband. There are a few smart moves but it is, otherwise, a predictable heist film. The number one rule in these kinds of movies is that the characters cannot trust anyone. Audiences know by now to always expect betrayal, though the main characters are always surprised.
Chris Farraday (Mark Wahlberg) is forced to come up with an ingenious scheme to pay off his moronic brother-in-law’s (Caleb Landry Jones) debt to psychotic Tim Briggs (Giovanni Ribisi). He heads to Panama where nothing works as is planned. Meanwhile, his former partner in crime Sebastian (Ben Foster) protects his wife (Kate Beckinsale) and kids at home while suggesting a drug run instead of counterfeit money. Farraday refuses because he wouldn’t be the good guy if he didn’t have morals.
Contraband starts off pretty average, not exciting but holding your attention, but its quality continues to decline as it progresses. Even if it were only predictable, it could still be worth watching. However, Ribisi and Foster get so over-the-top that their characters become stupid. Foster goes from understandable to excessively dramatic and even creepy (his common performance). The final few events, especially when they reach Panama, are silly and strain belief.
While I enjoy seeing Ribisi and Lukas Haas (playing a member of Farraday’s team), two underappreciated actors, most of the acting is standard for this kind of film, never reaching any real highs. If you are interested in my most liked movies starring Ribisi and Haas, see Tom Tykwer’s Heaven (2002) and Rian Johnson’s Brick (2005).
After seeing Contraband, I have zero interest in seeing the foreign film that it is based upon. Re-watch The Italian Job (2003) if you want to see Mark Wahlberg steal stuff; it is ten times better than Contraband. Or for an absolutely perfect crime film, watch Michael Mann’s Heat (1995). Just avoid Contraband.
Rating for Contraband: D+
For more information on this film or to view its trailer, click here.
Contraband is playing at almost all theaters in Columbus since it was number one at the box office last weekend. If you are ignoring my advice, you can find showtimes here.
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