2 Guns - 2 Guns - no nonsense

Yes, there have been cops and robbers movies. Yes, there have been `buddy-cop' movies and yes, there have been a tonne of movies where the protagonists fall foul of the mob and end up `owing them big-time.' However, very few of those manage to pull of those generic plotlines off in one movie (and, more amazing still, make it work).

The two of them play a pair of bank robbers.  Or do they?  Maybe they're really working for different law enforcement agencies and are just trying to infiltrate the crininal underworld?  And maybe they don't know each other's motivations!  This 'uncertainty' (for the characters, at least - we, the audience know what's going on - it's not rocket science) about who's working for who gives the two A-list leads plenty of opportunities to engage in great banter.

'2 Guns' is nothing original, but it is fast-paced, slick, stylish and, best of all, entertaining. This is probably down to the two leads - the ever-reliable Denzel Washington and the mainly-reliable Mark Wahlberg. Perhaps without these two heading the bill, the film would have been as sub-standard as the plot suggests. The two actors play off each other brilliantly and save every scene from ever slipping into mediocrity. There's a real `Pulp Fiction' vibe between them with all the banter and general chit-chat which helps establish their characters.

There are plenty of good performances from the supporting cast, too. The long forgotten Bill Paxton (still best known for `Hudson' in Aliens) is great as the villain.  There's a minor 'love interest' thrown in for Denzel Washington and, yes, it could probably have been removed completely, but at least it doesn't get in the way of the general action andd carnage.

Basically, if you like cops and robbers, crime, gangsters, or just generally action movies, you can't go far wrong with this one. Grab the popcorn, ignore the odd plothole and just enjoy the ride.  Oh, and if you're not into multiple cursing and violece, you may want to steer clear of this one.

8/10 The Force is definitely strong with this one