The Union

FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://movieswetextedabout.com/the-union-review-a-netflix-flick-that-proves-forgettable-is-worse-than-bad/ "The Union exemplifies the worst characteristics associated with the term "Netflix flick," presenting a predictable, forgettable movie that fails in almost all the essential aspects of a remarkable film. Its formulaic narrative, lack of originality, abundance of clichés, and paper-thin characters make it unable to stand out in a market saturated with similar productions. While parts of the score and individual performances offer glimpses of quality, they aren't enough to save the film from mediocrity. In the end, it's an experience that will hardly leave a lasting mark on viewers." Rating: D

Cringe worthy isn't a phrase I use that often. That said, I feel it fits The Union, nicely. "Team USA" rules the world in this pungent mix of pro US political monolithic ideology and folksy, jokery, "aw shucks", hometown America. Yes the CIA are once again, the "good guys" (try not to laugh), inexplicably needing help from your average US working class citizen Joe, in order to save the world. The "world", in this case, being the bubble of exceptionalism, the US establishment inhabits. As a reviewer and viewer, I honestly could not stomach this. I watched about half before undeniable feelings of moral nausea overcame me and I switched it off. Is there an upside? Perhaps if you are from the US and believe all of this "somehow", then I suppose its an okay action spy thriller watch. Certainly, Mark Wahlberg is as likeable as ever and the actions not badly done, either. In summary, this might fly with certain US demographics but I don't see it playing too well, with audiences in other parts of the world, who have seen what the US establishment really stands for. I'll pass.

Good god. Can we stop making these. Bricklayer is the ultimate union guy. He's even better than the Beekeeper. I'd say the union doesn't need a Painter but even he'd be a step up from Wahlberg. Working joes unite under the banner of a bunch of rich people who pretend to be poor. Action, action, betrayal, action, success. It's fine. Truly but it doesn't matter and has no redeeming hilarity.

Another formulaic action-thriller from Netflix where a "secret" organization goes after some sort of device or information, action scenes and bad humor ensue. I just watched Heart of Stone and this pretty much has the same formula, though this one does look more polished in terms of cinematography at least, though the action scenes weren't terribly memorable. Halle Berry and Mark Wahlberg, like Ryan Reynolds before in 6 Underground, is saddled with bad dialogue though I don't think either of them were all that invested in their characters. Filler content that will kill a couple hours but nothing beyond that. **2.5/5**