Today’s quick review: Spenser Confidential. After five years in prison for beating up a police captain, Spenser (Mark Wahlberg), a former Boston cop, wants nothing more than to move on with his life. But when the captain is found murdered and the official investigation pins the blame on an honest cop, Spenser enlists the help of his new roommate Hawk (Winston Duke) and his old friend Henry (Alan Arkin) to bring the real killer to justice.
Spenser Confidential is a crime drama about a disgraced officer who sets out to investigate a murder the police are covering up. Most of the movie’s appeal comes from its main character, a tenacious man with a strong sense of justice. Like many a noir protagonist before him, Spenser never backs down from a fight, even when he has nothing personal to gain. His tenacity, a decent plot, and a light tone make Spenser Confidential an enjoyable watch.
Spenser Confidential gets the basics right, but it misses a few opportunities as well. Hawk never really comes into his own, hovering awkwardly between being a side character and a full-blown partner in the investigation. The plot has a good progression and always keeps Spenser occupied, but its twists are not that inventive. And while the movie has a jaunty tone throughout, it never quite tips over into comedy, underselling some fun characters.
Overall, Spenser Confidential is a fun popcorn watch that’s missing the vision it needs to go farther. The plot, the characters, and the action are all entertaining enough for an accommodating viewer to have a good time. Exacting viewers who are hoping for a dedicated comedy, a thrilling plot, or all-out action may find that it comes up short.
For a more raucous crime comedy starring Mark Wahlberg, try The Other Guys. For a crime comedy with black humor and a more intricate plot, try The Nice Guys. For a more action-heavy movie with a similar mystery, try Jack Reacher. For a thriller about an honest law enforcement officer up against a police conspiracy, check out The Negotiator.
6.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for simple fun.