Critics may not have raved about Halle Berry and Mark Wahlberg’s new action comedy The Union, but Netflix subscribers seem to be loving it…
According to FlixPatrolthe film has already topped the streamer’s global Top 10 chart, which isn’t shabby considering it’s only been available to watch for three days. Debuting on the platform on August 16, it sees Wahlberg play down-to-earth construction worker Mike McKenna, whose normal life is turned upside down when his high school sweetheart Roxanne Hall re-enters his life.
The catch? Roxanne is now a secret agent, employed by a mysterious organization called ‘The Union’, and she needs Mike’s help – and his unassuming identity – to carry out a high-risk mission.
Jessica McGouw (Arrow), Mike Colter (Evil), Jackie Earle Haley (Watchmen) and JK Simmons round out the supporting cast.
“Some modest worlds and the oddly compelling set piece make for welcome spectacle,” we said in our review of The Union, as critic Matt Looker praised the performances and chemistry of its leads. “All of this threatens to be undone by a thrilling middle act and a (very) predictable denouement, but the film almost succeeds in its mission.”
Others were less magnanimous, with Roger Moore of Movie Nation calling it “generic” and “ridiculously predictable” and the The Observer’s Rex Reid saying, “This contrived, pointless, blindingly boring vehicle is a pathetic, desperate attempt to keep the careers of Halle Berry and Mark Wahlberg alive.” It currently has a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 43%.
Union is streaming now. Already tuned in? Check out our picks of the best Netflix movies for some inspiration.
