The thrill of the underdog story – where a film that was once deemed a box office bomb gets a second chance at redemption. This is precisely what’s happening with Mark Wahlberg’s 2013 action-thriller, “2 Guns”. Initially met with lukewarm reception and modest box office returns, this explosive ride was written off as a misfire. But, as the phrase goes, “you can’t keep a good movie down”. And now, “2 Guns” is streaming for free, giving audiences a chance to re-examine this misunderstood gem. In this article, we’re diving back into the world of DEA agents and cartel showdowns to explore why this box office bomb is actually a thrill ride that deserves another chance. So, buckle up, folks, as we revisit the world of “2 Guns” and discover why it’s a must-watch for fans of high-stakes action and gritty drama.
The Rise and Fall of Broken City: A Crime Thriller’s Second Chance
A Neo-Noir Crime Thriller Headlined by Mark Wahlberg
Broken City, a crime thriller released in 2013, is set to stream for free on Tubi. The film, directed by Allen Hughes and written by Brian Tucker, features an all-star cast, including Mark Wahlberg, Russell Crowe, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Barry Pepper, Kyle Chandler, Natalie Martinez, and Jeffrey Wright. Morningpicker takes a closer look at this neo-noir crime thriller and its second chance at success.
Revisiting the Plot: The 2013 Release and Original Synopsis
Broken City follows the story of Billy Taggart, a former cop-turned-private investigator played by Mark Wahlberg, who is hired by New York City’s Mayor Nicolas Hostetler (Russell Crowe) to investigate his wife, Cathleen (Catherine Zeta-Jones), who he suspects is having an affair. However, Billy soon discovers that there is more to the case than initially meets the eye, and he becomes embroiled in a complex web of corruption and deceit.
The film’s plot is complex and multi-layered, with a range of characters and subplots that add depth and complexity to the story. The film’s tone is dark and gritty, reflecting the harsh realities of the world of crime and corruption.
The All-Star Cast: A Look at the Talent Behind the Screen
The cast of Broken City is undoubtedly one of its strongest assets. Mark Wahlberg and Russell Crowe deliver solid performances as the two lead characters, while Catherine Zeta-Jones and Jeffrey Wright bring depth and nuance to their supporting roles. The chemistry between the cast members is palpable, and their performances elevate the film’s tense and suspenseful atmosphere.
The cast’s presence in the film is likely to have contributed to its initial box office success, despite the negative reviews from critics. However, the film’s poor reception ultimately impacted its box office performance, and it failed to recoup its production costs.
The Making of Broken City: Behind-the-Scenes Insights
According to interviews with the cast and crew, the making of Broken City was a complex and challenging process. Director Allen Hughes has spoken about the difficulties of filming on location in New York City, while Mark Wahlberg has discussed the physical demands of playing a character who is constantly in danger.
Brian Tucker’s script for the film was widely praised for its complexity and nuance, although some critics felt that it was overly convoluted and difficult to follow. The film’s budget was relatively modest, at $35 million, although this was still a significant investment for a film that ultimately bombed at the box office.
Breaking Bad: The Critics’ Consensus and Box Office Performance
The Harsh Reviews: A Look at the Critics’ Consensus
Broken City was widely panned by critics upon its release, with many reviewers criticizing its convoluted plot and lack of originality. The film holds a dismal 26% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the critical consensus reading: “Broken City’s thinly sketched, formulaic script offers meager rewards for all but the least demanding noir aficionados.”
However, not all critics shared this negative opinion. Richard Roeper of RogerEbert.com awarded the film a near-perfect three out of four stars, praising its tense atmosphere and Mark Wahlberg’s performance.
A Box Office Bomb: The Financial Impact of Broken City
Despite its all-star cast and modest budget, Broken City was a box office bomb, earning just $19 million worldwide. The film’s poor reception from critics likely contributed to its disappointing box office performance, although other factors, such as the competitive market and lack of marketing, may also have played a role.
The financial implications of Broken City’s poor box office performance were significant, with the film’s production company, Twentieth Century Fox, likely incurring significant losses. The film’s failure may also have impacted the careers of the cast and crew, particularly Mark Wahlberg, who has since spoken about the challenges of bouncing back from a box office flop.
A Different Perspective: Richard Roeper’s Defense of Broken City
Richard Roeper’s positive review of Broken City offers a different perspective on the film’s quality, highlighting its tense atmosphere and Mark Wahlberg’s performance. Roeper’s review suggests that the film is worth watching, despite its flaws, and that it offers a unique take on the crime thriller genre.
Roeper’s review has been cited by some as evidence that Broken City is not as bad as its critics suggest, and that it deserves a second chance. With the film now streaming for free on Tubi, audiences can decide for themselves whether Broken City is worth watching.
Mark Wahlberg’s Rebound: A Look at His Recent Roles
From Box Office Bombs to Streaming Success: Wahlberg’s Recent Career
Mark Wahlberg has had a mixed career since the release of Broken City, with some films performing well at the box office and others bombing. However, the actor has shown a willingness to take risks and experiment with different roles, which has helped him to maintain a loyal fan base.
Wahlberg’s recent roles, such as his villainous turn in Flight Risk, have been met with mixed reviews from critics, although he has shown a commitment to his craft and a willingness to take on challenging roles.
Play Dirty and The Family Plan 2: Wahlberg’s Upcoming Projects
Wahlberg has a number of upcoming projects in the works, including the crime thriller Play Dirty and the action sequel The Family Plan 2. These films are likely to appeal to fans of Wahlberg’s previous work, and may help to cement his reputation as a versatile and talented actor.
Wahlberg’s involvement in these projects reflects his career aspirations and his desire to continue pushing himself as an actor. With his reputation for taking on challenging roles and his commitment to his craft, Wahlberg is likely to remain a major force in Hollywood for years to come.
The Six Million Dollar Man Reboot: A New Chapter for Wahlberg
The Six Million Dollar Man reboot, which Wahlberg is set to star in, offers a new chapter in the actor’s career. The film, which is based on the classic 1970s TV series, is likely to appeal to fans of science fiction and action movies, and may help to revitalize Wahlberg’s career.
Wahlberg’s involvement in the reboot reflects his desire to take on new and challenging roles, and to continue pushing himself as an actor. With the film’s success likely to impact Wahlberg’s future projects, the stakes are high, but the actor’s reputation for delivering solid performances suggests that he is up to the challenge.
Conclusion
Rethinking a Box Office Bomb: Mark Wahlberg’s Thrilling Redemption
In a surprising turn of events, Mark Wahlberg’s thriller, which initially tanked at the box office, is now streaming for free, offering viewers a second chance to experience its gripping narrative. As discussed in the MovieWeb article, the film’s underwhelming reception was largely due to its poor marketing and scheduling, which failed to capitalize on its high-octane action and Wahlberg’s undeniable charisma. However, with its newfound accessibility, fans and critics alike are revisiting the movie, and it’s time to reevaluate its merits. The article highlights the film’s clever plot twists, Wahlberg’s intense performance, and the expert direction that brings the story to life.
The significance of this development lies in its implications for the film industry as a whole. By giving a second chance to a box office bomb, streaming platforms are acknowledging that some movies deserve a fresh start, free from the constraints of traditional box office expectations. This shift in mindset could pave the way for more innovative storytelling, risk-taking, and creative experimentation, ultimately enriching the cinematic landscape. As viewers continue to rediscover this thriller, they’ll be reminded that sometimes, a movie’s true worth lies in its ability to engage, entertain, and leave a lasting impact.