BOOM! Studios is gonna do big things. Make no mistake. Them, IDW and Dark Horse have some nifty under-the-radar books that really can make that jump to the big-screen or TV someday. However, 2 Guns sets back the movement. It doesn't derail as much but it's very much so, and I won't sugarcoat it, drab and pretty ordinary. It lacks the charisma and energy of the book, but while it struggles to hold its own as a stand-alone film, you can't help but admire the little fits of interaction with Mark Wahlberg and Denzel Washington on-screen.
I find too many 'reviewers' here divulge too much plot so let me be concise. Steven Grant's book and of course, art by the likes of Mat Santolouco and Rafa Albuquerque, does add a lot of weight and esteem to this in my fanboy eyes...but the film misses out on capturing the essence and magic of the book. Seeing the deception and bumbling plot unfold reminds a lot of 'Pain and Gain' which skated around a dodgy plot but still has its fun moments, its action-packed sessions...and overall WTF moments. Twists? Surprises? Well, whatever seems formulaic in Hollywood these days, is rammed into this film.
I feel like Wahlberg doesn't add any dimensions or valuable layers to his character...and Washington, while he brings more evocative a vibe, and he really does have some stellar humor moments, they just seem a bit bland at key intervals. It isn't forced...their interaction and chemistry, but it feels like we've seen this way too many times. 'Out of Time' with Denzel again reiterates this. There are decent spots to laugh your socks off, and yes...a lot of gunplay, double-crossing DEA spiels and whatnot...but again, when the pace of the film tries to pick up...it feels too hustled and arbitrary. But I'd surely like to see these gents team up again, with better direction and a more solid script, or adaptation.
RATING = 2.5/5