What would you hide to protect your family?
Mark Wahlberg plays a former smuggler named Chris Farraday in the new action crime movie Contraband. Chris is married to Kate (Kate Beckinsale), whose little brother, Andy (Caleb Landry Jones), screwed up a drug deal. Andys merciless boss, Tim Briggs (Giovanni Ribisi), wants his money and will do anything to make sure Andy gets it for him.
Chris got out of this business because he has a wife and two kids. However, Chris is known for his world-class smuggling and he realizes that he is Andys only hope. He decides to do one last job for the sake of his family. His best friend, Sebastian (BenFoster), who is practically a brother to Chris, helps him assemble a team.
Chris takes a boat to Panama and hopes to return with millions of counterfeit cash to give to Tim Briggs. Conflicts develop when people turn out to be different from what they seem, and the clock keeps ticking.
The main idea isnt very inventive and the timing of some events seems to be a little too perfect. Still, I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire movie. Its extremely fast-paced and contains several shocking surprises that keep the audience drawn in.
This film is rated R for violence, language and drug use. There arent any frightening or disturbing scenes that would be unsuitable for a younger audience. I personally believe that its appropriate for teenagers in general.
Wahlberg, Ribisi and Foster are especially convincing. I felt as if I were in the movie, racing against the clock alongside Chris. I definitely recommend this film to those who enjoy heart-racing thrillers about criminals. I give Contraband a 7 out of 10.
Katherine Grace Marra is a junior at Weston High School who reviews films from a teen's perspective on her blog www.katherinegracem.tumblr.com.
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