Netflix’s latest hit is stirring up excitement among viewers, and it’s none other than an action-packed comedy starring Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry.
Titled “The Union,” this film is quickly climbing the ranks to become a fan favorite.
Every week, Netflix seems to unleash a torrent of new content, and let’s be honest, not all of it hits the mark.
However, “The Union” is making waves for being genuinely enjoyable, particularly for fans of action comedies.
What sets this film apart is the dynamic duo of Wahlberg and Berry, whose on-screen chemistry is undeniable.
Wahlberg plays Mike McKenna, a down-to-earth guy from New Jersey whose journey from an average Joe to a skilled fighter is both compelling and humorous.
Berry’s character, Roxanne Hall, is a tough, no-nonsense secret agent from an elite group known as ‘The Union.’
The plot thickens when Roxanne pulls her former high school sweetheart, Mike, into a world of espionage and high-stakes missions.
Despite following a somewhat predictable action formula, “The Union” offers a fresh take on the genre with its blend of unlikely heroes and intense, comedic scenarios. This combination has proven to be a hit with Netflix audiences, making it the top movie on the platform.
After “The Union” debuted on Netflix, it quickly became a topic of conversation in various online communities, including the Facebook group “Netflix Bangers.”
The response there was overwhelmingly positive. One member posted, “It is great, I watched it and I loved it,” while another echoed the sentiment, adding they were “sure” it would get a sequel.
A third viewer reiterated, “It is great, I watched it today and loved it.”
The film’s reception on Rotten Tomatoes also reflected a mix of admiration and critique, particularly praising the casting of Wahlberg and Berry. One viewer highlighted, “The casting is phenomenal,” crediting the film’s success to the dynamic between its leads.
Another viewer appreciated the technical aspects, noting, “Great location scenes, great direction and well-done exhilarating car chases.”
However, not all feedback was glowing.
Kevin Maher from The Times offered a lukewarm review, describing the film as “This is not the kind of movie you talk about at film club. Nonetheless there is lots to enjoy in this profoundly silly action dramedy starring Halle Berry and Mark Wahlberg.”
While some Facebook users dismissed the movie as a ‘waste of time’ and labeled it ‘average,’ these views were in the minority.
Despite this mixed feedback, the film managed a 39 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 5.5/10 on IMDb, indicating a divergence in audience and critical reactions.
In an interview, Mark Wahlberg expressed his enthusiasm for his role, likening it to a “blue-collar James Bond.” He shared, “It was really an original idea that we then pitched to Netflix and they wanted to make the film,” underscoring the creative ambition behind the project.
