Above is the first trailer for Spenser Confidential, a new “action-comedy” from director Peter Berg starring Mark Wahlberg, Winston Duke and Alan Arkin. I’ve put the term “action-comedy” in quotes because while I saw a lot of action in the trailer, it definitely didn’t draw more than a chuckle out of me.
The film follows an ex-cop ex-con, Spenser, as he embarks on a life post-prison. He plans to leave Boston for good and become a normal, functioning citizen. But then he gets drawn into a criminal plot that involves the same scummy people who framed him and sent him to the clink and, well, Spenser just has to get involved.
Spenser Confidential looks only so-so to me. It doesn’t seem like something I’d rush out to see in theaters but thankfully it’s a Netflix release so it can be enjoyed from the comfort of home when I’ve got got a few hours to kill. There isn’t anything that’s even remotely new here, it feels like a giant re-hash of about a million other action-comedy films. As well, Wahlberg’s comedy chops have never impressed me. He was remarkable in The Departed but aside from that he hasn’t really made me laugh much, even in his out-and-out comedies. Honestly I’m starting to get tired of Wahlberg in action-hero mode too. It just feels like the same-old, same-old from him. Hell, even this official still from Netflix looks like it could be from any number of Wahlberg movies. The man’s range leaves a lot to be desired.
Maybe I’m just being too hard on Mark Wahlberg, Peter Berg and Spenser Confidential. There’s a chance this movie ends up being a pleasant and fun surprise. Lord knows the world needs more movies about wronged police officers taking down crooked politicians and cops.
Spenser Confidential hits Netflix on March 6th.
