Review of Contraband (2012) by Jonny B — 15 Jul 2012

Mark Wahlberg slots in an applause-able performance as the troubled Chris Farraday however, the premise is to cliched and underwhelming which means it's another rotten egg for the experienced actor.

While Wahlberg may be a talented actor, the films he stars in send off a negative image; his performances are consistently solid as well so it's a huge shame.

Contraband runs over familiar ground without making it very exciting or original. Never did I feel entrapped in its story, nor did I feel a rush of excitement. The plot based around drug trafficking was supposed to engage however it felt more like a second rate future plot story for Eastenders!

Chris Farraday (Wahlberg) is forced into returning to the 'illegal business' after his brother-in-law (Caleb Landry Jones) gets involved with a brutal drug dealer (Giovanni Ribisi). This leads to Chris travelling to Cuba on a large cargo ship in an attempt to retrieve the goods required to protect his family.

Meanwhile, Chris' wife Kate (Kate Beckinsale) remains at home with the rest of their children at the risk of the dealers causing mayhem.

Beckinsale is a reasonably well known actress herself but he performance doesn't feel realistic enough; you never feel complete empathy for her when she is attacked. She and the majority of the cast feel a little low in depth - a resemblance to cardboard cut out figures in the background of an average thriller.

Numerous positives include decent cinematography, some humerous personalities and Mark Wahlberg however this does not hide the fact that this is a second rate thriller.

Not abysmal as it has its moments - just not a great complete package.