Tag: Mark Wahlberg

Flight Risk

2025   Lionsgate

Rated:  R

Length:  1 hr  31min

Action ~ Crime ~ Drama ~ Thriller

Directed by:  Mel Gibson

Starring:  Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Dockery, and Topher Grace.

Y’all Need A Pilot?

Flight Risk is a tense action thriller set against the stunning but treacherous backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness. The film centers on Deputy U.S. Marshal Madolyn Harris (Michelle Dockery), who is tasked with transporting Winston (Topher Grace), an accountant turned informant on the run from the Moretti crime family. As they board a small plane piloted by the seemingly affable Daryl Booth (Mark Wahlberg), their journey quickly becomes a fight for survival when it’s revealed that the pilot is actually a hitman sent by Moretti to ensure Winston never testifies.

Stranded and isolated, Madolyn must confront her own traumatic past as she improvises to protect Winston and herself. The situation escalates when they learn there’s a leak within the U.S. Marshals connected to the crime family, making them targets not just from the skies but also from within law enforcement. As Madolyn wrestles to keep control of the plane and maintain hope for rescue, the tension on board builds relentlessly, with shifting alliances and personal demons coming to the fore.

The film’s climax is a nonstop barrage of confrontations; Madolyn fends off both the lethal hitman and manipulations from her superiors. As the plane careens toward a perilous landing amid running low on fuel, Madolyn’s resourcefulness and courage are put to the ultimate test. In the final moments, she not only manages to land the plane but thwarts another assassination attempt on Winston, who is rushed to safety. “Flight Risk” delivers high-altitude suspense with psychological drama, underscored by revelations of betrayal and redemption.

It is Mark Wahlberg as you’ve never seen him before. At first it was almost hilarious watching Daryl and his quirky banter with his two passengers, but the tone quickly turned dark as Daryl reveals his true identity and evil intent. It was unnerving to say the least watching Mark Wahlberg portraying a very dark evil side. Stepping well outside his usual heroic or wholesome roles, Wahlberg embraces the character’s duplicitous nature, portraying Daryl as both a seemingly folksy, affable pilot and a ruthless, unhinged hitman. Wahlberg made a visible physical transformation by shaving his head for the role, adding a raw and unsettling authenticity that heightened the menace of his character. As the film progresses and his character’s evil intentions come to light, Wahlberg shifts gears into an overtly psychopathic demeanor—snorting, snarling, and radiating danger.

I liked it, it was fascinating to watch Mark Wahlberg in this role. It is a good little ride, grab some popcorn and give it a go….

Michelle Dockery as Madolyn and Mark Wahlberg as Daryl in Flight Risk. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate
Michelle Dockery as Madolyn in Flight Risk. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate
Topher Grace as Winston in Flight Risk. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate
Flight Risk Movie Poster
Courtesy of Lionsgate

Play Dirty

2025   Amazon MGM Studios

Rated:  R

Length:  2 hr  5min

Action ~ Crime ~ Drama ~ Thriller

Directed by:  Shane Black

Starring:  Mark Wahlberg, LaKeith Stanfield, Rosa Salazar, Keegan-Michael Key, Chukwudi Iwuji, Nat Wolff, Gretchen Mol, Thomas Jane, and Tony Shalhoub.

Even Robbers Get Robbed

THE BOOK:

The Hunter: A Parker Novel Paperback – September 1, 2008 by Richard Stark (Originally Published in 1962)

The Parker Novels are a collection of 24 novels written by Donald E. Westlake under the pen name Richard Stark between 1962 and 2008. The first book in the series, The Hunter was written in 1962 and was the inspiration for the 1967 movie Point Blank starring Lee Marvin, Angie Dickinson, Keenan Wynn and Carroll O’Connor.

FROM AMAZON:

Where it all begins: The first book in the action-packed classic crime series that’s the basis for the forthcoming film Play Dirty!

Richard Stark’s Parker novels are the hardest of hard-boiled, classic crime novels where the heists are huge, the body counts are high, and the bad guys usually win. The Parker novels have been a huge influence on countless writers and filmmakers, including Quentin Tarantino, Stephen King, George Pelecanos, Colson Whitehead, Lucy Sante, John Banville, and many more. Their stripped-down language and hard-as-nails amorality create an unforgettable world where the next score could be the big one, but your next mistake could also be your last. There’s nothing else like them.

The Hunter is where it all begin. It opens with Parker’s woman shooting him just above the belt and leaving him for dead. She and his partner torch the house, with Parker in it, and take the money he had helped them steal. It all went down just the way they’d planned, except for one thing: Parker didn’t die. From there, our ruthless antihero roars into New York City, seeking revenge on the woman who betrayed him and on the man who took his money, stealing and scamming his way to redemption.

THE MOVIE:

Professional thief Parker (Mark Wahlberg) and his partner Philly (Clifton Collins Jr.) orchestrate a daring heist at a racetrack, but the operation unravels due to a betrayal by their getaway driver, Zen (Rosa Salazar). When Philly is killed during the fallout, Parker vows revenge and begins tracking down those responsible. As he delves deeper, Parker discovers that Zen was once an elite operative in the professional death squad of South American dictator President De La Paz, whose corrupt regime oppresses her homeland and orchestrates high-stakes thefts to fund its tyranny. Zen is revealed to be connected intimately to De La Paz’s plans involving a priceless United Nations artifact known as the Lady of Arintero. Despite his thirst for vengeance, Parker initially works with Zen, using her knowledge and connections to navigate the dangerous criminal and political landscape as they plan their next heist.

As Parker assembles a ragtag crew—including the unpredictable Zen, Ed and Brenda Mackey (Peter Stormare and Brooklyn Decker), and fixer Stan Devers (David Spade)—the group embarks on a high-stakes double heist filled with shifting allegiances and escalating violence. Parker’s trust in Zen is uneasy and transactional; while he relies on her expertise and insights to outsmart the Outfit crime syndicate and the dictator’s forces, he constantly keeps his ultimate goal in mind, to avenge Philly’s death caused by Zen’s betrayal. Their complicated dynamic adds a charged tension to the team, as Parker balances using Zen’s skills while suppressing his growing desire for retribution.

The heist unfolds through elaborate cons, tense chases, and explosive confrontations, with Zen’s insider knowledge proving vital in countering De La Paz’s plans to steal and sell off the treasure, which would devastate her war-torn country. Parker’s strategy is to play along with Zen’s heist ambitions just long enough to secure the artifact and the money, while preparing to settle the old score with her personally. The film culminates in a dramatic showdown where Parker confronts Zen with the promise of either forgiveness or vengeance, underscoring the murky moral ground the characters inhabit and the complex mix of betrayal, loyalty, and survival that drives the story.

BOBBY’S TAKE:

I am a huge Mark Wahlberg fan and one of my favorites is Spenser Confidential. Play Dirty reminded me of Mark Wahlberg’s Spenser. There were also shades of Uncharted and The Italian Job as well. The beginning reminded me of an old James Bond movie where there was an action scene in the beginning and then it went to the opening credits in animation, having set up the story. It is one of those movies that splits the audience, there are those who love it and those who don’t:

Some people love Play Dirty because it’s a fun, action-packed ride filled with fast-paced heists, snappy dialogue, and wild twists. The movie delivers plenty of chaotic, stylized violence and memorable moments set in a gritty yet vibrant world. Mark Wahlberg’s Parker, along with LaKeith Stanfield’s Grofield and Rosa Salazar’s Zen, provide likable performances, and Shane Black’s trademark dark humor and energetic direction give it a nostalgic feel that appeals especially to fans of retro crime thrillers. The clever twists and the unpredictable story keeps you engaged and entertained, making it a satisfying choice if you are looking for a rebellious, no-holds-barred action-comedy.

On the flip side, some people hate it because the movie can feel overly complicated and confusing, with too many characters and double-crosses that don’t always make sense. The plot comes off as messy and drawn-out, making it hard to care about the characters or what happens to them. Mark Wahlberg’s performance is sometimes seen as too serious and flat, lacking charisma or emotional depth to truly connect with the audience. Critics also point out that the humor is inconsistent and few jokes land, which is a letdown in what’s supposed to be an action-comedy. Some find the storyline superficial and the movie lacking soul, feeling like it tries too hard but doesn’t quite deliver the excitement or engagement expected from the genre.

The character Parker from the book was intentionally all business, with no conscience and no remorse and little emotion. Shane Black is a fan of the Parker books and took his inspiration for this movie from all the novels but based it on the first novel’s story. He wanted to modernize Parker and round him out, give him some depth and emotion, make him more than just a hard core criminal with no soul. So I think that Shane and Mark succeeded in that. I thought it was good, witty, tons of action and double crossing. Here’s what I think, give it a go. Turn everything off and just get lost in the movie, don’t try to think about it too much, or dissect the plot. Just enjoy the ride!

I forgot to mention Mark Cuban, he has a cameo in the movie and is taken out by Mark Wahlberg. That is a good scene!

Turn off the lights and devices,

Make some popcorn,

grab a beverage,

and Stream This Movie

on Amazon Prime!

Spenser Confidential

Uncharted

New Movie Play Dirty Debuts on Prime Wednesday October 1, 2025

The new action thriller Play Dirty, directed by Shane Black and premiering October 1 on Amazon Prime, stars Mark Wahlberg as Parker, a ruthless professional thief who assembles an expert crew for the heist of a lifetime in New York City. Adapted from Donald E. Westlake’s Parker crime novels, the film’s plot throws Parker and his team—played by LaKeith Stanfield, Rosa Salazar, and Keegan-Michael Key, into conflict with a South American dictator, the New York mob, and the world’s richest man. With Black’s trademark punchy style and a cast packed with character actors, Play Dirty is set to deliver gritty, fast-paced crime entertainment, full of double-crosses and high-stakes thrills.

Uncharted

2022   Sony Pictures

Rated:  PG-13

Length:  1 hr  56min

Action ~ Adventure

Directed by:  Ruben Fleischer

Starring:  Tom Holland, Mark Wahlberg, Sophia Ali, Tati Gabrielle and Antonio Banderas.

Fortune Favors The Bold

FROM SONY PICTURES:

Street-smart Nathan Drake (Tom Holland) is recruited by seasoned treasure hunter Victor “Sully” Sullivan (Mark Wahlberg) to recover a fortune amassed by Ferdinand Magellan and lost 500 years ago by the House of Moncada. What starts as a heist job for the duo becomes a globe-trotting, white-knuckle race to reach the prize before the ruthless Santiago Moncada (Antonio Banderas), who believes he and his family are the rightful heirs. If Nate and Sully can decipher the clues and solve one of the world’s oldest mysteries, they stand to find $5 billion in treasure and perhaps even Nate’s long-lost brother…but only if they can learn to work together.

FROM SONY PLAYSTATION:

From award-winning developer Naughty Dog, the UNCHARTED series is a cinematic action-adventure experience uncovering historical mysteries while traveling through varied and stunningly rendered environments. Join Nathan Drake and Chloe Frazer across the globe as they confront warmongers and mercenaries, unite with former colleagues, uncover forgotten histories and tackle their deepest fears to forge their legacy.

Nathan Drake

A renowned man of adventure – and mystery – Nathan Drake is a roguish explorer who’s perpetually lured by the irresistible promise of adventure, fortune and glory. Although his past is far more complicated than his carefree approach to the world (and his own safety) implies, he’s an undeniably dynamic adventurer capable of immense greatness, no matter what challenge he faces. However, is Nathan able to make peace with his past and determine what he’s willing to sacrifice in order to find happiness in his future?

Chloe Frazer

If you need someone who can talk, shoot, act or drive her way out of a sticky situation, the notorious and charismatic treasure-hunter Chloe Frazer is the one to call.

Renowned for her resourcefulness while under pressure and vast archeological knowledge, she’s an intelligent survivor who’s unafraid to acknowledge her limits. Although Chloe is remarkably pragmatic and resilient in the face of danger, she must conquer her greatest challenge: confronting her past to forge her legacy.

Victor Sullivan

Nathan Drake’s partner, oldest friend, and father figure, Victor “Sully” Sullivan is a seasoned explorer who’s well-connected in the illicit antiquities trade. Although he’s a consummate conman, Sully becomes progressively kinder and more compassionate throughout his adventures. When he’s not hatching plans for the next adventure, he’s known for cracking jokes, reminiscing on his romantic exploits (we’ll take his word for it) and protecting his loved ones.

THE REVIEW:

I have seen this quite a few times since it came out. I re-watched as it just showed up on Amazon Prime so I could review it. I have never seen the PlayStation Games that this movie is based upon, so I can’t judge it from that perspective. Judging it on it’s own merits, I think it is a fun Action Adventure Movie in the same vein as The Indiana Jones Movies. It reminds me of Red Notice with Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot.

Honestly it falls right into that category with Indiana Jones, Red Notice, The Lost City, National Treasure, Jumanji, Tomb Raider and Romancing The Stone. I liked Tom Holland as Drake, again I can’t compare him to the game version of Drake. I liked Mark Wahlberg as Sully and I really liked Sophia Ali as Chloe. Antonio Banderas was a good evil Rich kid shutting out his father over money. Tati Gabrielle as Jo Braddock was well done, this was her movie debut and I really liked her in this. Have to look for her in the future.

The way the movie ends it completely sets itself up for a sequel involving Sam, Nathan’s brother. And there are two more scenes as the credits start rolling. If you quit watching when the credits roll, you’ll miss them. The other one shows Nathan and Sully dealing with another Treasure Hunter over a mysterious map. Another Adventure? That scene ends with a complete cliff hanger…Who did they run into?

There is officially a sequel in the works and word has it that Sony intends for Uncharted to be a Movie Franchise. There is an Uncharted 2 in the works and as of right now the script is in development. The biggest obstacle to seeing the sequel anytime soon is that Tom Holland is currently filming Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey and then he has another Spiderman Movie to film before he can film the sequel. So it might be a couple of years yet before we get to see it, but it is coming.

I would recommend this if you haven’t seen it, it is a great action adventure movie full of Treasure hunting. I’m a fan now and I look forward to seeing the rest of the franchise. Bring on the sequel and the popcorn!

Red Notice

The Lost City

The Union

2024   Netflix

Rated:  PG-13

Length:  1 hr  47min

Spy ~ Comedy ~ Action ~ Adventure

Directed by:  Julian Farino

Starring:  Mark Wahlberg, Halle Berry, and J. K. Simmons.

“The Union does the dirty work for the CIA and FBI, they’re blue-collar workers, average everyday people living ordinary lives just like you. They get plucked by The Union to be trained to shoot and do combat intelligence and tactical weaponry.”

Mark Wahlberg stars as Mike McKenna, a broke construction worker still living at home with his mom, still working the same job, still hanging out at the same bar with the same friends, in Paterson, New Jersey. One day after work he and his buddies are playing pool and drinking beer at their usual spot Wilson’s Bar, when Mike’s ex-girlfriend Roxanne Hall(Halle Berry), who he hasn’t seen since high school, suddenly shows up.

They spend the evening drinking, playing pool and reminiscing. Roxanne talks Mike into going to a place in the park where they used to make out in high school. Mike finds their old song on his phone and they start to slow dance. Roxanne then jabs him in the neck with a tranquilizer and kidnaps him. Mike comes to in a hotel room in London, England where she explains why she did it.

Mike tries to leave the hotel and runs into Tom Brennan(J. K. Simmons) who offers to buy him breakfast and explain everything. “We work for The Union. We do the dirty work for the FBI and the CIA. We recruit ordinary hard working Blue Collar people like yourself and train them to help us do the dirty work under the radar, keeping the world safe. We need you Mike.”

It’s a typical spy story, bad guys got the goods that will change the world for the worst and we have to stop them at any cost. Usually it’s guys in prison that get recruited for the role, in this story it’s the average Joe blue collar worker down on his luck. Hence the name The Union. Reminds me of The Gray Man I just saw with Ryan Gosling. It’s more of a comedy than an action thriller. Didn’t feel like it was hitting on all cylinders.

Given the star power I feel it should have been better. I’m a big Mark Wahlberg fan. Just saw him in Spenser Confidential, one of my favorites. He was definitely better in that movie. I like J.K. Simmons and Halle Berry but didn’t seem like the roles gave them enough room to make their performances better. It’s definitely not their best.

It’s ok, just ok…

One thumb up, the other down and a wave of both hands sideways as in ….ah, just so-so.

Update: Mom and Dad just watched it. “Yeah, it was alright,  If Mark Wahlberg wasn’t in it, I don’t think I would have watched it.”