Tous les coups sont permis

If you're a fan of Mark Wahlberg (and I am), then this is a completely watchable movie that provides a couple of hours of entertainment. But it's no better than a 6. There are some clever plot twists and a good "buddy" feel of him working with his gang.

But there are two oddities that bugged me a fair amount. First was a serious "this must have been done with AI" feel to many of the big actions scenes. Car crashes, train derailments, you have it, they felt "created;" they didn't look "real". Second was the against type casting of Wahlberg, Keegan Michael Key, Tony Shaloub as not-so-likeable criminals undermined the movie for me. Shaloub just doesn't seem like a mob boss, especially not one with an Italian-sounding name.

Bottom line: if you are looking for a little entertainment, and happy with the "Ah! That's why they did that!" moments in the movie, you'll enjoy it enough to spend the time.

What exactly happened to Mark Wahlberg? He used to headline solid films like Shooter, The Departed, and even did great in comedy with The Other Guys. But lately, it feels like he signs up for every bad script that lands on his desk.

Play Dirty is just another forgettable entry on that list. Mark has the money and the reputation.. so why waste it on these throwaway projects? Honestly, the probability of him starring in a good movie these days feels like 1 out of 10, and that says a lot.

What is his agent even doing? Isn't their job to filter scripts and protect his career? Instead, they're turning him into a running joke. Mark deserves better, and so do we as the audience!

Ultimately, Play Dirty is fine. It clocks in at a slightly bloated two hours, offering moments of mild entertainment and professional craftsmanship, but lacking the originality or emotional depth to leave a lasting impression. It's the kind of film you'll forget you saw a week later, but won't regret watching while you were in the theater. If you are desperate for a weekend diversion and all the good seats are taken, Play Dirty will, well, play. But don't expect it to redefine the genre.

I gave Play Dirty a 6.5/10 because it's a mixed bag: some strong parts, some frustrating filler, but enough payoff to make it worthwhile.

The opening scenes are excellent... within the first 20 minutes the tension is sharp, the betrayal setup works, and you feel drawn into the ambition of the heist. But then the middle section sags.

For about an hour, the plot meanders: too many character motivations that never quite click, too many twists that add complexity without clarity. Some scenes feel there just to fill time, and occasionally the visuals and setting drop you out of immersion (fake-NY shots, shaky CGI?).

The final 25 minutes lift the film though. Stakes become clear, action sharpens up, and it redeems a lot of earlier dragging. Rosa Salazar in particular shines... when she appears she brings weight and energy. Wahlberg's Parker is competent, but less cunning or charismatic than I expected from earlier Parker adaptations.

Overall, Play Dirty is entertaining if you're willing to put up with uneven pacing. If you like big-scale heists, betrayals, and a strong finish, it delivers enough. If you need consistency or tight plotting throughout, it might frustrate.

7/10

It won't blow you away but I would say this is a great film to watch if you want some decent action and some decent comedy.

It has some unexpected twists and turns throughout and you can't always guess what's going to happen next.

The cast is excellent and it's always nice to see Tony Shalhoub (monk) back on screen again.

If you want a decent, enjoyable action flick then I'd say you won't go amiss watching this!