Review: 'Contraband' Is A Clumsy Caper

By Michael Lopez

Oh, how we wanted Contraband to succeed. It's got tough action sequences, a killer cast, and a conspiracy-laden plot centered deep in Latin America. Unfortunately it fails to deliver on all levels, ultimately leaving audiences with a half-baked heist film.

Mark Wahlberg is back in tough guy mode after dabbling in comedy flicks like The Other Guys and Date Night. We always knew he was a capable action star and he actually plays it rather well in Contraband. The problem is, he's playing tough against a flimsy storyline, filled with gaps, inconsistencies, and twists you can see from a mile away.

As the story starts out, Chris Farraday (Wahlberg) is an ex-hoodlum who's decided to walk the straight and narrow. He's a got a beautiful wife (played by Kate Beckinsale), two cute kids, and a successful home security business. But his old lifestyle soon comes calling when a family member winds up owing money to some thugs.

Before long, Chris is back to his old tricks and plots an elaborate international smuggling scenario to help cover the debts. Gathering up some old confidants, Chris boards a boat for Panama with the hopes of bringing back counterfeit cash.

Things soon take a turn for the generic, with the arrival of a sheisty Latin drug dealer (played by Diego Luna) and some double crosses back home. But somehow, Chris manages to survive sniper shots, explosions, and the entire U.S. Customs Department to accomplish his mission.

Hey, there's nothing wrong with seeing the main character pull off some incredible feats. But at least TRY to make it believable. Contraband just feels sloppy and strewn together. Worst of all, it never even delivers in the butt kicking action department! This movie goes out much more on a whimper than a fiery bang.

Bottom line: We know the cinema is sorely lacking a good action movie at the moment. Perhaps that's the reason that the makers of Contraband felt they could throw together such a haphazard film. If you're looking for some international drug smuggling flair, pop in the Fast Five DVD…you'll be much more satisfied.

Are you planning on watching Contraband? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Contraband, Diego Luna, Kate Beckinsale, Mark Wahlberg, Movie Reviews, Movies & CineMás