Play Dirty

By: Dominic La-Viola

How does one describe the new film from the legendary screenwriter, turn director Shane Black. 

Another attempt to bring Richard Stark’s infamous character from page to screen. An unlikely action/comedy that somehow works. A movie of the week, that isn’t great, however better than anyone would expect it to be.  A film that five years ago would have been released across 2500 screens.

 

Any and all of the above would suffice, for all are deemed true. The new Amazon Prime Original, Co written by Shane Black, in which he also directs, has a stellar cast with Mark Wahlberg, LaKeith Stanfield, Rosa Salazar and Keegan-Michael Key. 

The film centers around Wahlberg’s character Parker, who after a job goes wrong, has to embark on what seems to be another job in order to right the wrongs of the previous one. 

Which from the opening of the film, the job seems to be botched from the start. Going in without knowing anything about the film. The opening feels as I missed part of the movie, or they were merely ripping off Reservoir Dogs, opening the film mid heist, instead of end heist. 

Although we quickly learn that, that heist wasn’t the heist that really mattered, until it did. Which is something I think a lot of people are going to miss, due to a dismissive attitude towards a movie of the week. 

As someone who has never read any of the 20 plus novels in which the character is based on, I can’t speak on how true the film is to the character in the original text. 

However I can say with confidence that the film delivers on bringing such a character to life, in a larger to life way. Wahlberg, with the help of a rather well crafted script, is able to make the character of Parker, equally charming as bad ass, while being intelligent and witty. 

The film does a fantastic job of creating a heist film that is both entertaining and intriguing while simultaneously holding a few cards up its sleeve that make the ending something different than you would expect. 

All the  while dropping hints throughout the movie, that there is more going on than what we’re lead to believe. Not to mention, the character of Parker is incredibly more interesting and intelligent than the film allows us to believe. 

A close reference that is similar but not quite the same, would be the Amazon Original Series Reacher. Taking an already established character and bringing them to the screen in a way previous attempts have failed to do so. 

With this being a movie of the week, for a streaming service, even one as large as Prime. The perceived notion before the film even starts is that, it’s going to be mediocre at best. 

However that isn’t the case with this one, and I think it will be judge harshly for its form of release. The script is far more clever and well crafted than many of films that have gotten theatrical releases, yet no one has given it the recognition it deserves. 

Through out this film, there are hints and rather straight forward moments that offer up the plot twist at the end. Little nib it’s planted in the rather modest dialogue that indicates there was a bigger plan all along.

The first job, by the end of it, is nothing more than a small time robbery. One that doesn’t match the skill set of the team, especially our main character Parker, who up til this point. Has been made out to be a grandmaster thief and marksman. Who’s is obviously overly skilled and intelligent to be doing jobs of this magnitude. 

Leading us to believe that the movie is setting itself up to be a mere slapstick comedy, with some rather expensive action scenes that ended up being nothing more than eye candy for the kids. 

A misconception that hurts the films overall playability due to the fact that the film premiered on streaming. Already losing the audiences full attention before the film even begins. 

At the end of the day, Wahlberg plays the character of Parker in a  sly, funny, witty and macho enough to carry the film, and engage viewers to maintain their attention. 

According to what I have read up on the character, Parker is suppose to be a methodical, ruthless, highly skilled criminal who specializes in large scale heists. A criminal with a code, which includes killing when suitable. 

 

Which the film depicts perfectly in the sense, without being a perfect film. With just the right  blend of humor and action, it’s hard to think anyone but Shane Black, would have pulled off this film. With moments that appear to be going down the path of tropes and mediocrity are saved by sharp contrast to what is often seen. 

There is more to this film than what one will properly notice on the first viewing. Although I doubt many will give this film a second one, let alone a proper first one. 

While the comedic undertone, helps move the film along without being to dreadful and heavy. Making for a lighter viewer experience.  I think if the comedic moments were a little more dry, and or less frequent during scenes in which were meant to be intense and dramatic. The film would have a more fuller feel. Enticing the viewer a second viewing sooner rather than later. 

Overall Rating  3.5 / 5 Stars.