Plot:
Mark Wahlberg
does Chris Farraday in the movie Contraband. He used to be a narcotic smuggler but had given up the trade. But, fate pulls back Chris into the business as his brother-in-law Andy, done by Caleb Landry Jones, puts him on the financial crisis. Andy is also a drug-peddler.
Ben Foster
does the hero’s best friend. Both Chris and Ben leave for Panama with a team. Their mission is to make a fortune out of manipulated bills. But, as a twist in the movie, things go out of hand. Chris is forced to apply his evil skills to go ahead on the mission. He has to finish the task, or else his family would have to face the consequences. He knows he has to steer clear of the dangerous narcotic kingpins, police officers, and thugs. Else, his family involving wife Kate and son would bear the brunt.Â
Most of the movie scenes are set in poor lighting, and the cinematography is not worthwhile. But, the movie turns worthwhile as the story picks up speed. The lead characters in the movie would have turned heroes if only the story were not against the moral code. Otherwise, the movie is a joyride projecting Mark Wahlberg as a drug peddler with some goodness in him. He plays high stakes to save his beloved.Â
The movie unfolds speedily and has plenty of action. But, director
Baltasar Kormakur
has spoilt efforts by inserting an unnecessary, immoral act into the movie. There is too much of unnecessary tragedy in the movie. The negative aspect is that the movie is irrational, and the climax is very silly for words. Anyway, the movie would draw audiences to theaters because there has not been a better heist thriller for quite some time.Â
Verdict: People with a special taste for such drug-peddler movies may have a hangover after watching the movie.