"The Union": Action fluff that scratched my spy itch!

Okay, so I finally got around to watching "The Union" (2024). I know, I know, I'm always harping on about Iranian New Wave cinema or some obscure French film, but sometimes a girl just needs some good old-fashioned action, right? This one definitely delivered on that front. The plot's pretty straightforward: construction worker suddenly thrust into the world of espionage by his badass ex. Total wish fulfillment, tbh. I wasn't expecting anything groundbreaking, and it wasn't, but it was a fun ride. Lots of explosions, car chases that made absolutely no sense but were visually cool, and some decent fight choreography. Did anyone else think the initial meeting between Mike and Roxanne was kind of clunky though? Like, the dialogue felt a bit forced, but I liked how they explored the past. I still wasn't fully convinced that the chemistry was there, so when the plot began, it felt a little unbelievable. I have to say, the supporting cast was surprisingly strong. The villain was generic, sure, but the quirky tech guy definitely added some flavor. And the locations were gorgeous! They clearly spent some money on those European backdrops. It reminded me a little of those old Bond films in terms of pure escapism. The music was a little on the nose, but hey, it's part of the genre. I also really appreciated that Roxanne wasn't just a damsel in distress. She was clearly the one in control, and Mike had to actually keep up. I did felt like the ending dragged a bit, and the final showdown was a bit predictable. But overall, a solid action flick. Like, I went into this knowing it wasn't going to be a Oscar winner but I do really enjoy Mark Wahlberg as an actor and was curious to see how and if he blended into the character. Although there were parts that were a bit 'cringy', he did alright. Also, Halle Berry! I mean, her scenes were so cool and I loved her spy character! So yeah, if you're looking for something light and entertaining, "The Union" is worth a watch. Just don't expect a deep, thought-provoking experience. It's pure popcorn entertainment, and sometimes, that's exactly what the doctor ordered, you know? Plus, it's sparked my interest in spy movies again, so any recommendations are welcome! Maybe something more subtle and European next time?