The Union

2024 - 8 - 16

When Spies Collide: Mark and Halle’s Netflix Misfire!

Halle Berry -- Mark Wahlberg action comedy - film review - Halle Berry - Mark Wahlberg - Netflix - spy movie - The Union movie

Get ready for a rollercoaster of laughs and ‘meh’ moments with Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry in the new Netflix spy comedy, The Union!

Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry team up in the Netflix spy comedy "The Union," but it seems the magic is missing. Critics are calling it a middling affair, as the film struggles to find its footing amidst the explosions and antics of a secret spy agency. While Wahlberg flexes his action-star muscles, it’s Berry who appears to be saving the day, bringing a spark of energy that even Mark’s chiseled jaw and boyish charm can’t fully ignite. The plot, laden with high school nostalgia and frantic missions, revolves around a group of secret agents navigating through a series of misadventures that don't quite pan out the way you’d expect.

Despite its promising premise, the film falls victim to a lazy script that’s more reliant on star power than originality. Critics argue that "The Union" is like an extravagant dessert that ultimately leaves you unsatisfied; it looks good on the outside but lacks the essential ingredients of charm and excitement. With Wahlberg and Berry's raw talent, you'd hope for an action-comedy that keeps you clenching your seat. Instead, it seems audiences might find themselves searching for something else to watch while it plays in the background.

Mark Wahlberg has previously excelled in roles where he combines humor and action. If there’s one thing he knows, it's how to get into the character. In conjunction with this, Halle Berry’s return to the action genre has fans excited about what she'll bring to the table. But it appears the effort fizzles out faster than a soda left open too long. To make matters worse, the film’s pacing trips over itself like a spy trying to sneak through a laser field. Many reviewers have pointed out how poor direction coupled with lackluster writing has caused "The Union" to become another notch on Netflix's belt of mediocre releases.

The saving grace is that for audiences seeking light-hearted entertainment, the film does offer some laughable moments and decent action sequences. If your idea of a good night includes something light and fun – or you're simply a die-hard Berry or Wahlberg fan – then it might just hit the spot. The film undoubtedly has its share of awkward moments and inexplicable plot points, but sometimes that's what makes for a chuckle and a watchable flick.

As a fun fact, while filming "The Union," Wahlberg had to maintain a rigorous fitness regime, reportedly performing over 1,000 push-ups a day to keep up with his action-star aesthetic! On the flip side, Halle Berry's involvement has sparked discussions about her remarkable ability to transition from dramatic roles to action-packed ones, emphasizing her versatility as an actress. In short, while "The Union" may flop as an action-comedy, the stars involved still shine bright amidst the chaos!

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Image courtesy of "cleveland.com"

Mark Wahlberg, Halle Berry lead a middling spy comedy in 'The Union' (cleveland.com)

Review: "The Union" lacks a certain charm that could help it be something more than the Netflix movie playing in the background.

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Image courtesy of "The Hindu"

'The Union' movie review: Mark Wahlberg, Halle Berry star in ... (The Hindu)

Halle Berry shines in the action-packed film The Union, featuring thrilling missions, high school sweethearts, and a race against time.

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Image courtesy of "Roger Ebert"

The Union movie review & film summary (2024) | Roger Ebert (Roger Ebert)

It lacks charm and excitement, clutching to simplicity and a lazy script that relies on star power that's not bright enough to save it.

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Image courtesy of "Daily Beast"

'The Union' Review: Halle Berry Saves Mark Wahlberg Netflix Movie (Daily Beast)

The new Netflix action flick makes one inexplicable choice after another. The one solid one: casting Berry, who almost saves the movie.

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Image courtesy of "Empire"

The Union (Empire)

Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry star in Netflix's action-comedy about a secret spy agency. Read the Empire review.

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Image courtesy of "The Irish Times"

The Union review: Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry star in an ... (The Irish Times)

Another of those bland, superficially lavish thrillers that Netflix pumps out at the end of summer for those too dehydrated to reach the pause button.

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Image courtesy of "Globalnews.ca"

'The Union': How Mark Wahlberg stayed fit for his action-packed role ... (Globalnews.ca)

TMS contributor, Susie Wall, chat with Mark about reuniting with his Entourage director Julian Farino, staying fit for action roles, and what his kids really ...

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Image courtesy of "What's on Netflix"

'The Union' Soundtrack: Full List of Songs (What's on Netflix)

One of the big action-comedy blockbusters Netflix had lined up for 2024 has just dropped in the form of The Union, starring Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry.

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Image courtesy of "Paste Magazine"

The Union Review: Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry Yield Nothing (Paste Magazine)

If there's anything more awkward than world-famous movie stars contorting themselves into strenuous demonstrations of relatability, it's when a movie star ...

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Image courtesy of "Forbes"

'The Union' Star Mike Colter On His Secret Role In Netflix Spy Movie (Forbes)

Mike Colter discusses what he can about his secret role in Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry's new action comedy "The Union."

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Image courtesy of "Screen Rant"

The Union Ending Explained (Screen Rant)

This leads Agent Roxanne Hall (Halle Berry) to reconnect with ex-boyfriend Mike (Mark Wahlberg), a construction worker whose life has grown stagnant. After Mike ...

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Image courtesy of "TheWrap"

'The Union' Cast and Character Guide | Photos (TheWrap)

Netflix is back with a new star-studded action movie — this time led by Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry — with “The Union.” Wahlberg stars as Mike, ...

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Image courtesy of "Variety"

Why Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry Never Kiss in 'The Union' on ... (Variety)

"The Union" hinges on Mark Wahlberg & Halle Berry's romance, but throughout the film's 109-minute runtime, the pair never kiss. The director explains.

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Mike Colter Talks 'The Union,' Kicking Halle Berry, and Mark ... (Decider)

In this Mike Colter interview, the actor talks about his Netlfix movie The Union with Halle Berry and Mark Wahlberg, and Evil's cancelation.

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Image courtesy of "TheWrap"

Here Are All the Songs in Netflix's 'The Union' (TheWrap)

Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry team up for flirtatious action antics in Netflix's “The Union,” and they do it all to a soundtrack jam-packed with ...

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo Lifestyle Singapore"

'The Union' Cast and Character Guide | Photos (Yahoo Lifestyle Singapore)

Netflix is back with a new star-studded action movie — this time led by Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry — with “The Union.” Wahlberg stars as Mike, ...

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Image courtesy of "philadelphiaunion.com"

US Soccer Collective ranks Union Academy Best in MLS Once Again (philadelphiaunion.com)

The list ranks the Union's talent pool at the A+ level for the second year as well, one of two clubs to receive those marks overall in any categories. The Union ...

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Image courtesy of "The Indian Express"

The Union: Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry deserve better than this ... (The Indian Express)

The Union is so generic that the villains are any country that has ever crossed paths with that exclusive club – that is, “Russia, Korea, China, Syria, ...

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The Union | Movie review (The Upcoming)

Mark Walberg stars as Mike, a blue-collar construction worker from New Jersey, in Netflix action flick The Union. He's content living in the same small town ...

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'School will not start,' warns head of Teachers Union amid impasse ... (The Times of Israel)

Finance Ministry blames teachers for refusing to reach agreement during 'complicated time'; union says ministry held negotiations 'for sake of appearance' ...

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Statement by His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa, the African ... (africacdc.org)

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