Shane Black’s latest, ‘Play Dirty,’ an adaptation of Donald E. Westlake’s Parker crime novels, struggles to capture the magic of his previous works. While aiming for the director’s signature blend of action and dark humor, the film ultimately feels like a faint echo rather than a vibrant new entry.
The story kicks off with Mark Wahlberg as Parker, a stoic and ruthless thief whose crew is unexpectedly wiped out by a fellow criminal, Zen (Rosa Salazar). Following a wild car chase that careens into a horse track – a scene that promises spectacle but feels surprisingly hollow – a vengeful Parker tracks Zen down. He soon discovers her ambitious plan: to steal a staggering billion dollars’ worth of ancient artifacts and precious jewels from a recently unearthed 15th-century shipwreck. Her stated goal? To help alleviate starvation in an unnamed Latin American country.
Putting their initial animosity aside, Parker and Zen reluctantly team up. They assemble an eclectic gang in New York, including the theatrical Groefield (played by LaKeith Stanfield). Their elaborate scheme isn’t just about executing the perfect heist; it also involves navigating the dangerous waters of The Outfit, a powerful crime syndicate led by Lozini (Tony Shalhoub), who are already illicitly selling the artifacts on behalf of a corrupt president (Alejandro Edda).
Black attempts to revisit the gritty violence and human-centric stakes that defined his earlier successes, like the 2005 action-comedy ‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’ and the 1996 action-thriller ‘The Long Kiss Goodnight.’ However, ‘Play Dirty’ leans into a misanthropic tone that, while not always a flaw, isn’t redeemed by a compelling performance from Wahlberg. His portrayal of Parker feels stiff, failing to inject the necessary moxie to make the relentless brutality of the film either amusing or meaningful. When combined with a ’70s-inspired jazz score that often feels out of place and a narrative that touches on Parker’s privilege amidst the struggles of impoverished communities, the film leaves viewers wanting a fresh start.
Film Details:
- Title: Play Dirty
- Rating: R (for strong violence, pervasive language, some sexual content, and nudity)
- Running Time: 2 hours 5 minutes