2 Guns is a 2013 American buddy cop action comedy film directed by Baltasar Kormákur and starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg. The film is based on the comic book series of the same name created by Steven Grant and Mateus Santolouco, and published in 2007 by Boom! Studios.
The plot follows two hardened criminals who get into trouble with the US border patrol after meeting with a Mexican drug lord, and then revelations start to unfold.
Plot
The plot of 2 Guns revolves around two undercover operatives, Bobby (played by Washington) and Stig (played by Wahlberg), who plan to rob a bank to bust a drug lord. However, the heist becomes more successful than anticipated, leading to complications.
It is revealed that Stig is actually a Naval Intelligence agent, and he ends up shooting Bobby and taking the money. The story unfolds with a series of double-crosses, involving various criminal and law enforcement entities.
The film culminates in a massive shootout, with the protagonists ultimately taking down the antagonistic forces and escaping with the money. The plot is characterized by twists, betrayals, and a significant focus on the corrupting influence of money on the characters.
The film's climax involves a standoff, during which Bobby and Stig confront their adversaries, leading to a series of confrontations and revelations. The ending sees the duo escaping with the money, with Bobby revealing that he had stashed away some of the money for their future endeavors.
Full Cast
- Denzel Washington as Robert "Bobby" Trench
- Mark Wahlberg as Michael "Stig" Stigman
- Paula Patton as Deb
- Bill Paxton as Earl
- James Marsden as Quince
- Edward James Olmos as Papi Greco
- Fred Ward as Admiral Tuwey
- Robert John Burke as Jessup
- Greg Sproles as Chief Lucas
- Patrick Fischler as Dr. Ken
- Derek Solorsano as Ferret Nose Julio
- Edgar Arreola as Rudy
- Kyle Russell Clements as Teemo
- Christopher Matthew Cook as Thick
- Tim Bell as Cactus
- Tait Fletcher as Mini
- Azure Parsons as Waitress
- John McConnell as Officer Dave
- Jack Landry as Officer Phil
- Ritchie Montgomery as Chief of Police
- Ambyr Childers as Ms. Young
- Lucy Faust as Waitress
- George Wilson as Mr. Young
- Yohance Myles as Lead Agent
- Evie Thompson as Patsy
- Doris Morgado as Daisie
- Sam Medina as Manny
- Tony Sanford as Lead Officer
- Robert Larriviere as Bank Manager
- Evangeline Lindes as Waitress
- Jesus Payan Jr. as Cartel Kid
- Mark Adam as Cartel Kid
- Bill Stinchcomb as Cartel Kid
- Michael Beasley as Hard Case Agent
- Lucky Johnson as Hard Case Agent
- Bonnie Bentley as Hard Case Agent
- Lindsey G. Smith as Hard Case Agent
- Henry Penzi as Hard Case Agent
- David Kency as Hard Case Agent
- Sean Boyd as Hard Case Agent
- Joshua R. Aragon as Hard Case Agent
- Christopher Dempsey as Hard Case Agent
- Samuel Baca-Garcia as Hard Case Agent
- Gilbert Rosales as Hard Case Agent
- Robert Larriviere as Bank Manager
- Lucie Carroll as Bank Teller
- Bill Stinchcomb as Cartel Kid
- Azure Parsons as Waitress
- Christopher Matthew Cook as Thick
- Tim Bell as Cactus
- Tait Fletcher as Mini
- Doris Morgado as Daisie
- Ritchie Montgomery as Chief of Police
- Yohance Myles as Lead Agent
- Jack Landry as Officer Phil
- John McConnell as Officer Dave
- George Wilson as Mr. Young
- Evie Thompson as Patsy
- Lucy Faust as Waitress
- Robert Larriviere as Bank Manager
- Jesus Payan Jr. as Cartel Kid
- Mark Adam as Cartel Kid
- Bill Stinchcomb as Cartel Kid
- Michael Beasley as Hard Case Agent
- Lucky Johnson as Hard Case Agent
- Bonnie Bentley as Hard Case Agent
- Lindsey G. Smith as Hard Case Agent
- Henry Penzi as Hard Case Agent
- David Kency as Hard Case Agent
- Sean Boyd as Hard Case Agent
- Joshua R. Aragon as Hard Case Agent
- Christopher Dempsey as Hard Case Agent
- Samuel Baca-Garcia as Hard Case Agent
- Gilbert Rosales as Hard Case Agent
Themes & Reception
The themes of 2 Guns include loyalty, betrayal, corruption, and the corrupting influence of money. The film explores the complex relationships between the characters, who are often motivated by self-interest and personal gain.
The plot is characterized by twists and turns, with the protagonists and antagonists engaging in a series of double-crosses and betrayals. The film also features a significant amount of action and humor, making it an entertaining watch for fans of the buddy police genre.
The film received mixed to positive reviews from critics. While some praised the chemistry between Washington and Wahlberg, as well as the film's blend of action and humor, others criticized its formulaic plot and jarring violence.
The film grossed $75.6 million domestically, making it a moderate commercial success. Despite its mixed reception, 2 Guns has developed a cult following among fans of the buddy cop genre, who appreciate its entertaining plot and engaging performances.
Challenges Faced
During the production of 2 Guns, the film faced challenges, including budgetary concerns and the need to balance the intricate plot with action and humor. The director, Baltasar Kormákur, expressed shock and dismay at plans by the Icelandic government to reduce the budget of the country’s film fund, which could have impacted the production of the film.
Additionally, the film's complex plot, involving double-crosses and various government agencies, required careful execution to ensure that the narrative remained engaging and coherent. Furthermore, 2 Guns had to navigate the balance between being an action-packed film and incorporating humor effectively.
This required meticulous planning and execution to ensure that the movie resonated with audiences as both an entertaining action film and a buddy cop comedy.
Visual Styles & Techniques
It is worth noting that the film's visual style is characterized by a blend of action and humor, with a focus on delivering an entertaining and engaging experience for viewers.
The film features a significant amount of action sequences, which are executed with precision and skill, and the humor is often used to lighten the mood and provide a contrast to the more intense moments of the film.
Setting
The film 2 Guns is set in various locations, including the United States and Mexico. The story unfolds against the backdrop of criminal activities, undercover operations, and the complexities of law enforcement agencies.
The settings range from urban environments to more remote and rugged locations, reflecting the diverse nature of the characters' interactions and the challenges they face throughout the plot.
Trivia
- Paula Patton's topless scene in an early bedroom scene with Washington was her idea.
- The film is based on the comic book series of the same name created by Steven Grant and Mateus Santolouco, and published in 2007 by Boom! Studios.
- The film was originally set to star Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson, but the roles eventually went to Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg.
- The film's title refers to the two guns that the main characters carry, as well as the two main characters themselves.
- The film was shot on location in New Orleans, Louisiana, and various other locations in the United States and Mexico.
Fun Facts
- The tagline for the film is "2 Guns, 1 Bank," reflecting the central heist theme of the movie.
- 2 Guns has been described as breathing new life into the action genre by delivering a fun yet gritty movie experience.
- The film features hypermacho but tongue-in-cheek elements, particularly in the first 20 minutes, which are described as enormous fun.
- The movie's dialogue includes memorable lines such as "Just because you put your finger in your belly button and brown shit comes out don't mean it's your asshole" and "Nobody's innocent, friend. There just the guilty, the ignorant, and the unlucky".
Conclusion
Despite the potential for a sequel, the film's box office performance and critical reception may have impacted the likelihood of a follow-up. 2 Guns grossed $131 million against a budget of $61 million, making it a moderate commercial success. The film's entertainingly escapist journey and its blend of action and humor have contributed to its enduring appeal, even though a sequel seems unlikely at this time
Director: Baltasar Kormákur
Writer: Blake Masters
Box Office Gross: $131,940,411
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Genre: Action, Comedy, Mystery & thriller
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 2, 2013
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 1, 2015