2 Guns, released in theaters on August 2, 2013, is a fast-paced, stylish, and immensely entertaining film that thrives on the undeniable chemistry between its two A-list stars. Blending witty dialogue with explosive action, it’s a modern throwback to the buddy-cop films of the 80s and 90s, delivering a fun, chaotic ride from start to finish.
The story introduces us to Bobby Trench (Denzel Washington) and Michael “Stig” Stigman (Mark Wahlberg), two career criminals who have been working together for a year, planning to rob a bank. Their robbery, however, is not what it seems.
Both men are undercover agents for rival government agencies—Bobby is an undercover DEA agent, and Stig is a Navy Intelligence officer. Neither knows the other’s true identity, and they are both independently trying to set up a sting operation.
When their heist nets them over forty million dollars in cash, a far greater sum than they expected, they are forced to confront the truth about their partnership. As their cover is blown, they quickly realize they have been set up by their own agencies and are now on the run from everyone.
They find themselves hunted by a ruthless and sadistic CIA agent named Earl (Bill Paxton), as well as a powerful Mexican drug lord and a shady Navy admiral played by Fred Ward.
The film features a strong supporting cast, including Paula Patton as Bobby’s former partner and love interest, Deb Rees; James Marsden as Stig’s superior; and Edward James Olmos as a powerful cartel leader.
Bobby and Stig are forced to put aside their differences and work together to uncover the conspiracy, save themselves, and figure out who they can actually trust.
2 Guns‘ plot is a complex web of double-crosses and betrayals, but the film never loses its sense of humor, thanks to the constant, rapid-fire banter between Washington and Wahlberg.
Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg in 2 Guns (Photo/Universal Pictures)
Reception for 2 Guns
2 Guns grossed $27.1 million on its opening weekend, finishing No. 1 at the box office.
The film grossed $131.9 million worldwide.
Legacy
2 Guns was a highly successful action-comedy that proves the enduring appeal of the mismatched-partners trope. Washington’s charismatic, cool demeanor is the perfect foil for Wahlberg’s manic energy, and their on-screen dynamic is the film’s greatest strength. It is remembered for its spectacular action sequences, its clever, fast-paced script, and its ability to deliver consistent thrills and laughs.
2 Guns stands as a definitive modern entry in the buddy-cop genre, a crowd-pleaser that successfully combined the star power of its leads with a fun, explosive, and thoroughly entertaining plot.
