“Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry, both esteemed A-list actors, have navigated through the highs and lows of their illustrious careers. When news of their collaboration in a spy-comedy-action-thriller surfaced, expectations were mixed given their varied track records. However, Julian Farino’s film, The Union, defies expectations and emerges as an exhilarating, action-packed thriller that will captivate genre enthusiasts and pleasantly surprise casual Netflix viewers. Boasting impressive fight sequences, gripping plot twists, and electric on-screen chemistry between the two leads, The Union epitomizes the perfect popcorn flick. While it may not drastically alter your worldview, it undoubtedly promises an hour and a half of pure entertainment.”
“The Union” stars Wahlberg as Mike McKenna, a construction worker who is recruited by his ex-girlfriend, a super-spy named Roxanne Hall (Halle Berry), to help her and her team of blue-collar workers prevent important information from falling into the wrong hands. The film brings a unique spin to the spy genre by featuring everyday heroes instead of the traditional suave spies. As the mission becomes more complex, Mike is faced with the choice of returning to his normal life or joining Roxanne in the world of espionage. The movie introduces a compelling plot and a relatable lost-love backstory that adds depth to the characters and keeps the audience engaged.
This film is action-packed with thrilling car chases, intense fight scenes, and a classic yet enjoyable training montage. Although there are instances where wine bottles smash without spilling any liquid and Halle Berry is seen wearing heeled boots while delivering impressive combat moves, these minor distractions do not significantly diminish the overall storytelling. The fight choreography is truly captivating, the camera work is dynamic, and the stunts, most of which were performed by the actors themselves, are remarkably impressive and entertaining to watch. Moreover, the movie effectively showcases the allure of a beautiful city through the exhilarating sequences of luxurious cars racing through its streets, all while Mark Wahlberg skillfully navigates the dangers to survive.
The screenwriters, Joe Barton and David Guggenheim, skillfully incorporate humor into the movie without resorting to slapstick comedy or cringe-inducing gags. For example, a scene features Wahlberg’s character accidentally interrupting a community theatre production of Peter Pan, but the script refrains from turning it into a typical comedic situation, such as having the character join the production or use a young actor as a human shield. The film doesn’t rely heavily on laugh-out-loud moments, but rather delivers witty banter and clever one-liners, such as “All tied and ready to ride.” Despite this, the movie succeeds as a comedy due to its high energy and snappy dialogue. Beyond humor, The Union also surprises with solid plot twists and emotional scenes, adding depth to the action-comedy.
However, like many similar movies, The Union occasionally exhibits American nationalism. The plot heavily emphasizes the idea of America as a great nation threatened by external forces. The central mission revolves around preventing an intel leak that could endanger anyone “who’s ever served the West.” There are moments of humor where one group is jokingly referred to as being from Iceland, only to reveal that they are actually from Iran (because, as the characters suggest, “It’s always Iran.”)
“The Union” is a captivating and action-packed spy movie that truly shines thanks to the undeniable chemistry between the two lead characters. Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry effortlessly portray their characters, showcasing a dynamic range from playful banter that reflects an old friendship to intense and smoldering gazes. The will-they-won’t-they romance between them is both tantalizing and believable, adding an exciting layer to the plot without becoming overly cliché. The gradual rekindling of their old love feels genuine, particularly in a poignant moment where they embrace tightly against a backdrop of literal sparks flying.
In addition to their on-screen chemistry, both Wahlberg and Berry showcase their prowess as action stars, seamlessly transitioning from heartfelt moments to intense fight scenes and impressive shootouts. J.K. Simmons delivers a compelling performance as the former CIA agent Tom Brennan, infusing the character with charisma and authority while also displaying a reluctant fondness for his employees as the head of The Union’s London Headquarters. The supporting ensemble cast complements the leads perfectly, with actors like Mike Colter and Jessica De Gouw proving themselves to be powerhouses despite their limited screen time.
Within the realm of star-studded action comedies, “The Union” stands out as a formidable entry. Its well-rounded performances, high-octane action sequences, and the stellar chemistry between Wahlberg and Berry make it a truly enjoyable and worthwhile watch. The film sets itself up nicely for a potential sequel, leaving audiences eager to see where the next mission takes Mike and Roxanne.
