The Union

Another one of those Netflix action flicks where they cast solid actors, but end up making a forgettable, routine film with no real substance. But because it’s easy to watch and costs viewers nothing, people will still tune in, giving it enough views for Netflix to keep churning out these kinds of movies. Meanwhile, talented actors are left adding these throwaway roles to their portfolios—films no one will remember in a year. (2024-09-03)

I went into this film with zero expectations — honestly, I wasn’t sure if it would even satisfy a casual viewer, let alone anyone with more refined tastes. But, surprisingly, it wasn’t as bad as I feared (though I’m almost tempted to slap myself for saying that). This is the kind of movie where you need to shut down most of your brain cells just to get on the same wavelength as the creators. The plot is pretty basic and predictable, and I started feeling a bit of a letdown early on. But then, to my surprise, the pace picked up, and while it never really engaged my brain, it did keep me from getting bored. Let’s be real, it’s a ridiculous film through and through, but it’s saved by its relentless pacing and the fact that Halle Berry, even now, looks fantastic (though I couldn’t quite buy her as a sixteen-year-old Japanese kid). Neither she nor Mark Wahlberg has ever sparked strong feelings in me one way or the other, so I managed to sit through this without too much pain. I wasn’t bored, but I wouldn’t go as far as to recommend it to anyone either. / Lesson learned: It’s not the heights that scare me, it’s the depths. 3*- (2024-08-21)