2 Guns is a 2013 American action comedy film directed by Baltasar Kormakur. The film stars Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg as two undercover agents set up by their respective agencies to investigate each other whom they soon discover have been set up by the mob to steal $43 million from the CIA. The film is produced by Marc Platt Productions, Emmet/Furla Films, Envision Entertainment, and Boom! Studios.
The film’s protagonists are Robert ‘Bobby’ Trench and Michael ‘Stig’ Stigman, who are both in deep undercover to infiltrate a prominent drug cartel in Mexico. They both end up robbing a bank to seize 3 million dollars and make it look like it was stolen by the drug cartel. The rogue mission deliberately staged a feud between the two agents, Stig didn’t know that Bobby was actually an agent of the DEA, Drug Enforcement Administration.
When they realize that they have been duped, the two agents team up again and try to get back at their respective agencies for setting them up. They soon discover that the money they stole is actually linked to the CIA, Central Intelligence Agency, and that the real mastermind behind the plot is a corrupt CIA agent named Earl. Bobby, Stig, and their former love interests must face the potentially deadly consequences of getting caught up in a conspiracy involving a major drug cartel and even the CIA itself.
The film’s plot is packed with twists and turns, but it’s still told with a light and humorous touch. What sets 2 Guns apart from other action thrillers is its willingness to have fun with its genre. The film neatly mixes genres by combining action and comedy with elements of the buddy movie genre. Washington and Wahlberg have excellent chemistry and showcase their comedic timing with several cleverly staged situations.
The cinematography in this film is impressive. Whether it’s the scenes set in Mexico, the run-down industrial areas of the United States, or the shooting scenes in the desert, each shot is beautifully captured. The director and editor’s use of quick cuts and a fast-paced sound design help increase the tension during the action sequences.
Overall, 2 Guns is a fast-paced action/comedy that delivers the goods without taking itself too seriously. The film is a great example of how a well-done action comedy can keep the audience engaged throughout the movie. With great performances from Washington and Wahlberg, this film is a must-watch for fans of the genre.
