Universally, going into an experience like a movie or a concert with absolutely no expectation is always for the best. I didn’t know a single thing about this movie aside from the stars that were in it. Mile 22 was captivating, and unexpectedly exciting. As we sat down in the theater, I tried to run through a mental list of the critically acclaimed movies Mark Wahlberg has been a part of in the past decade. He’s done some movies that are certainly important: Lone Survivor, Patriot Day, Deepwater Horizon. He’s done movies I’ll always like like Ted, Pain and Gain, and Shooter; but he’s had some of the worst flops of the 2010s like the Transformer’s series and Daddy Home. Mile 22 is not one of those flops. Wahlberg has possibly found that “Ethan Hunt”or “Jason Bourne” role that will last for an entire franchise. His character is foul, hilarious, genius, and a host of  other words that may or may not be appropriate.

Imagine as I paint the opening scene… A couple is lost looking for a birthday party and approach the front door of a house they believe may be the correct address. The knock and speak to a young Russian women who seems like she has something to hide. You see James Silva (Wahlberg) and his team approach the house from the woods in the backyard. After target confirmation, the lost couple throws a flashbang grenade in through the small opening in the door and incapacitates the group in the house. The team gets in and out with a few problems; but the mission is accomplished. Hopefully, I’ve painted enough of a picture to tell you this movie is both action packed and suspenseful.

Silva’s team consist of hardened foul-mouthed badasses that have done it all and seen it all. The elite CIA task force consist of Sam Snow (Rhonda Rousey), Alice Kerr (Lauren Cohan) and a few others that are tasked with transporting Li Noor (Iko Uwais) along a 22 mile route in a city somewhere in Southeast Asia. Everything that can go wrong does and members are lost along the way. John Malkovich commands the Overwatch as Bishop. They are the eyes and ears of the operation. Iko Uwais is the next Jet Li. Mark my words. His action scenes were astounding. The martial arts in Mile 22 were jaw dropping and completely original. Everyone straight kicked ass. Kerr had some real depth. She’s a mother who spends all of her time with work and is never home. Her interactions with her family lead you to believe early on that her issues will be a problem for the team.

What really impressed us the most is the cinematic aspects of the film. The camera work and directing was top shelf work. The dialogue is particularly fast-paced and quick-witted. Silva’s backstory is that he has always been a bit of a prodigy with a troubled past. He can analyze situations faster than a computer and it makes him think two steps ahead of others, even in menial conversation. It’s not so much of a superpower like Bourne, but it works in a realistic way. The rest of the crew have their side conversations and stories, but don’t get too attached. This movie builds up and takers away your favorite characters. The story comes full circle from the very beginning, which is more than most action movies these days can say. Little is done without intention. That’s the draw of the film. The ending will leave you stunned and at a loss for words.

Mile 22 has it all: violent gore, compelling story, realistic sequences; but most importantly, it has humor that will crack you the hell up. There were people crying laughing in the theater often and sometimes, right in the middle of intense combat. The writing was on point, especially with Wahlberg’s character. He contributes his excellent comedic timing and has combined that with his action experience to create what I believe is his best character yet. Some will say Mile 22 is a bit too cookie cutter. I can’t agree with the critics on this one. It’s unpredictable and original for the most part. I really dug it, and so did everyone else in the theater. Mile 22 gets a solid 8 from me and I hope people can take this espionage film for what it is, a well produced movie with actors that bring their best to the film. I’d recommend this movie in theaters. My wife and I walked out wondering if it was as good as Mission Impossible: Fallout, which is a worthy debate. It’s that good and you can’t predict the ending like MI.