‘The Union’ Review: Wahlberg & Berry’s Action-Comedy

In The Union, a new Netflix film, Mark Wahlberg plays Mikey McKenna, an ordinary construction worker from Jersey who unexpectedly becomes a top-notch spy after just two weeks of training. The movie's central idea is that the real heroes and assassins are everyday workers, not elite Ivy League graduates. However, the rapid transformation from a blue-collar worker to a high-skilled operative with advanced parkour, mixed martial arts, and sharpshooting skills seems a bit unbelievable.

Despite this, The Union stands out compared to other Netflix action-comedy films like The Gray Man, Red Notice, and Project Power. Wahlberg’s character, Mikey, is a relatable underdog living with his mother (Lorraine Bracco) in Paterson, NJ. He is romantically involved with his former English teacher (Dana Delany) and works a construction job that involves precarious high-beam work set to Springsteen’s "Promised Land". His life is shaken when his old high school girlfriend, Roxanne Hall (played by Halle Berry), who is secretly part of an elite covert group called The Union, reappears.

The Union is depicted as a covert organization made up of everyday workers—like electricians and steel fitters—whose practical skills help keep the world safe. This is in contrast to the stereotypical, high-society spies in films such as Kingsman. The movie features clever scenes where Union members use their knowledge of ordinary objects and infrastructure to complete their missions.

The plot begins with a failed operation in Trieste, Italy, where a briefcase containing a list of all spies is stolen and set to be auctioned. To retrieve it, Roxanne believes Mikey, who is not on any radar, is the ideal choice. She tricks him into thinking they are rekindling their romance, drugs him, and flies him to London. There, Mikey joins a team led by J.K. Simmons, with Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as the enforcer, Alice Lee as the driver/medic, and Jackie Earle Haley as the hacker. The action moves from London to Istria, a beautiful Adriatic locale.

The success of The Union largely depends on its cast’s chemistry. Halle Berry shines as the serious counterpart to Wahlberg’s bumbling character, delivering authentic action and impressive combat scenes. Wahlberg’s performance balances between being a novice and a competent action hero. The film’s tone is reminiscent of Netflix’s FUBAR, featuring a mix of action and comedy.

Directed by Julian Farino, known for TV series like Entourage and Ballers, the film benefits from straightforward, well-executed action sequences. The Union offers an enjoyable viewing experience with its engaging cast and inventive premise. Grade: B