After producing four hit films together, Mark Whalberg and Peter Berg conspired once again in an attempt to create another film full of action, comedy, and thrills for the audience. Their newest work, Spenser Confidential, fell short of their other films and headed straight for Netflix as the plot lacked any luster and comedy that would allow the action film to be successful among theater audiences. 

Spenser Confidential tells the story of American patriot and ex-cop Spenser (Mark Whalberg) who was recently released from a five-year prison sentence for brutally attacking a delinquent police officer in Boston. After a surprising brawl with Post Malone in the opening scene, any surprise quickly is decimated, and the film suddenly becomes a battle against sleep. 

Following Spenser’s release from prison, he reunites with elderly, frail boxing coach Henry (Alan Arkin) and is introduced to his brooding, new roommate Hawk (Winston Duke). As three total opposites, the sundry group of men embark on the mission to solve the most pressing murder mystery the Boston police have faced in recent years. 

Although Whalberg may seem like a fitting character to play the brawny and boisterous murder investigator, Berg’s attempts to give the action-filled film a whimsical tone only ruined the movie and its purpose. What could have been an exciting and enticing action film was simply lackluster, and the comedy within the scenes proved to be a distraction to the plot. Every actor from Whalberg to Arkin failed to generate the humor the director had sought after. 

Berg’s failed attempt to create a comical crime movie was not the only disappointment within Spenser Confidential. As the movie progressed, the plot failed to fall into place, and each scene seemed to be a reflection of those proceeding. The pieces of the film felt strikingly similar to one another, and the repetition made me lose interest just as the film was beginning to progress. 

While nearly every actor within the film lacked the ability to express any true emotion, there was one exception: Iliza Shlesinger. Playing Spenser’s girlfriend named Cissy, her background in the world of comedy was refreshing as she was the only character able to express any real humor to the audience. Her confident and spontaneous personality stands out amongst the other stereotyped characters, and Shlesinger certainly performs her role with an abundance of passion. 

Spenser Confidential skipped the theaters and found itself available only on Netflix, and this does not come as a surprise. It certainly fits into the classic theme of mass-produced Netflix movies that lack any form of creativity, passionate acting, or sensible screenplay. With the failed attempts of humor and comedy within the plot, Berg’s film is certainly available to watch in the right place. 

Although Berg and Whalberg have produced successful films in the past, their history and connection was simply not enough to allow the film to be a success. The terrible plotline and atrocious acting proved nearly unbearable to watch.