Spencer Confidential (2020)

I didn't rush into watching Spencer Confidential, the 5th collaboration between star Mark Wahlberg and director Peter Berg mostly because I haven't liked any of the previous 5 films. Finally seeing the film didn't prove me wrong although the film isn't terrible and is lighter with more of a comic bent than their previous projects. That being said it is still rather generic and disposable like most of their work together.

Spencer Confidential is based on a series of books about an ex-cop ex-con played by Wahlberg. Its fairly standard loner brings down crooked cops story line doesn't offer much new but it does offer enough not to be boring. It's just overly average, filled with the sorts of cliches that we expect in this sort of film.

But there are some highlights in the supporting cast. Wintson Duke, Iliza Shlesinger, and of coarse Alan Arkin are all hilariously entertaining to watch. Wahlberg is typically boring in the lead but his supporting cast are so enjoyable when they are on screen they make it worth watching. If this does become a series I hope they each continue to get roles cause I'd watch them all again playing these characters, especially Shlesinger. If any character got a series I'd like it to be hers.

So as a Netflix release it's a good fit. It offers enough to watch if you don't have much better to see but not enough that you won't feel bad for having spent money on a ticket.

Spencer Confidential 
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Winston Duke, Alan Arkin, Iliza Shlesinger, Bokeem Woodbine, Post Malone, Colleen Camp
Director: Peter Berg
Writers: Sean O'Keefe, Brian Helgeland