REVIEW: “The Union” (2024)

As someone who’s been through the ringer of action-comedy films, I must say that “The Union” left me feeling like a tranquilized construction worker in London – awakened to find myself in a world of generic plots and recycled ideas.


In “The Union,” Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry rekindle their past romance, this time in an intriguing setting – the secretive realm of international espionage. This Netflix production, categorized as an action-comedy, appears to follow a familiar pattern seen in numerous similar films. The plot seems to adhere closely to established formulas, making it challenging to identify any truly original or inspired elements. Regrettably, this lack of innovation is disappointing given the talented cast involved.

“The Union” is a show directed by Julian Farino, based on a script written by Joe Barton and David Guggenheim. The plot, while not original, sticks closely to familiar themes and character types, making it feel repetitive. However, despite its lack of novelty, the show remains engaging and never becomes dull.

In a casual and understandable manner, Mike (Wahlberg) is a typical construction worker from New Jersey and an ordinary guy overall. One eventful night, his long-lost high school sweetheart, Roxanne (Berry), unexpectedly shows up at his favorite watering hole. It’s been years since they last crossed paths, but their reunion sparks memories of old times. They even visit one of their old favorite spots overlooking the city. However, the evening takes a dramatic turn when Roxanne surprises Mike by injecting him with a tranquilizer, rendering him unconscious – quite a sudden and intense development!

REVIEW: “The Union” (2024)

Eventually, I find myself stirring awake in the bustling city of London. It’s Roxanne who greets me, unveiling her membership in an enigmatic group, The Union. She guides me to the presence of Tom Brennan, the charismatic leader of this clandestine organization, known for his clever but often cheesy banter.

In the narrative, I find myself stepping up for the task at hand, and following a brief yet intense training phase, I’m readied for the mission. Alongside Roxanne, we embark on a quest to pinpoint the location where crucial intel is being sold in an auction. However, it soon becomes apparent that others are also after this information, escalating the movie’s main action. As the seasoned agent Roxanne and I, the rookie, navigate through various adversaries, we encounter numerous nameless antagonists. And amidst all the high-stakes action, a touch of romantic friction adds an extra layer to our partnership.

The filmmakers add a few unexpected turns in the second half, yet they fail to make a significant impact. In fact, these twists are reminiscent of scenes from other movies. Additionally, other potential storylines emerge but never fully develop. Instead, the movie sticks to the most predictable path possible. Despite its shortcomings, Wahlberg and Berry have good on-screen chemistry. There are some amusing dialogues and bursts of action, but finding more depth can be challenging, even for patient film enthusiasts. “The Union” is now available for streaming on Netflix.

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2024-08-17 17:56