I was really looking forward to this movie for a multitude of reasons. First and foremost (and I know Im going to get in trouble for saying this) I like Michael Bay films. I completely understand they are not amazing pieces of cinema and I totally understand they are made to appeal to the masses and make him lots of money, but he just does them so well! His 'splosions are always better than other peoples. His use of arrogance for humour goes down so much better than any other director. His ability to call in mega stars and hot babes and awesome cars and blow them all up is just simply fun, even if mindless. So when I heard he was making a 90's film with Marky Mark and The Rock being body builders who get in trouble trying to heist some rich dude I was expecting happy pant wearing, muscle popping, non stop action with a good slathering of humour.
The first half of the film did not disappoint. Mark Wahlbergs character is an interesting take on an American dreamer who wants everything and feels he can achieve it. You can see the determination coupled with the stupidity needed for this character to go on to do the things he does and it sets a lot up in this first half. The introduction of The Rock was awesome too as it was nothing like what I was expecting. Seeing him playing a born again Christian drug addict, violent man who doesnt want to be violent or do drugs anymore yet is caught up in all of this illegal activity was great and the acting was solid (pun intended). Finally, rounding out the primary trio of criminals is Anthony Mackie playing the best friend and accomplice to everything that goes on. His character felt a bit under developed, or possibly he was just out muscled by the other two, but I was left a bit flat from his character and would have welcomed him more as a Wesley Snipes type of wise ass or something.
The second half of the film unfortunately doesnt live up to the first half. A lot was built up around the quest for Daniel Lugo (Marky Mark) to achieve everything at any cost and to be a bit of a Robin Hood type, taking down the bad rich man to give he and his friends what they deserve. But, in the end it just kind of felt like an idiot making a bad decision and getting in way over his head, which is a much less interesting story. I think Michael Bay might have been trying to show just how futilie Daniels efforts were, or trying to say something about the quest to achieve everything taking a lot more than just kidnapping and torturing someone. Unfortunately it didnt quite get there with any emotional weight and I was even a bit bored by the final act which should have been impactful after all the horror that takes place.
Overall its not a bad movie, and kudos for taking a risk on making a very different sort of film than you would expect. It starts off feeling quite emotional and almost 'self helpy' in its attitude towards you can do anything, be anyone and no one can stop you. But by the end (SPOILERS) the characters are all in jail and have ruined their lives, (END SPOILERS) so Im not sure what the message was supposed to be. Still, I really enjoyed watching Mark Wahlberg and The Rock get a pump on and the set design, costumes and music were all loads of fun. I would have liked a bit more cheekiness from the lead characters as when that was happening the movie was at its best. A little more Ken Jeong, and a little more 90's cheese would have been great too as it felt under utilised. But most of all a better second half would have done the film wonders.
SCORE: 6/10
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