Contraband Review - 2.5 Stars

Mark Wahlberg thriller.  He’s a former smuggler called back  into the life when his brother in law screws up a deal and owes a bad guy a fortune.  Giovanni Ribisi plays the character in question and he’s very believable–especially when he’s threatening Wahlberg’s pretty wife Kate Beckinsale.  “Contraband” gives a plum role to the great character actor J.K. Simmons (of “the Closer” and “Juno” among others).  Simmons plays a crooked boat captain angered by the thought of not getting a cut of anything untoward on his vessel.  “Contraband” throws a wonderful twist into the plot, including unseen sides of several major characters.  The mix makes it fun to watch.  Does it deliver what it promises?  Crime caper with a twist.  Is it entertaining?  Good cast and plot.  Is it worth the price of admission?  For fun.