The Nostalgic Upside of 'Play Dirty': A Review

Not many genres attract criticism like the snarky, violent action comedy. Its rise during the '80s and '90s marked an era of films that flirted with wit and brutality in equal measures but eventually fell into a repetitious cycle of tiresome cliche under the stewardship of streaming platforms. This makes Shane Black's directorial return in 'Play Dirty' a breath of fresh air.

The film, co-written by Black, is a blend of nostalgic retro action with a generous dose of casual violence, a style we've seen from him before in works like 'Lethal Weapon.' While not always a hit with the critics, his style, evident in 'The Nice Guys' and 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,' shines in the movie.

'Play Dirty' tells the story of Parker, played by Mark Wahlberg. Parker is a criminally charmed hero from 24 crime novels by Donald E. Westlake (written under the pseudonym Richard Stark). The film's charmingly violent narrative marries a litany of calculated chaos involving assassinations, motorcycle hijackings, and character deaths to deliver a storyline filled with edgy comedic moments.

Despite accentuating familiar tropes, Black's approach to 'Play Dirty' carries a finesse, turning what could be a generic action comedy into an art form – a transformation akin to turning a dog-food recipe into gourmet dining. Wahlberg’s Parker becomes the epitome of a ruthless action hero as he goes after Zen, a former member of a South American dictator’s elite force, eventually joining forces for a heist of a 15th-century Spanish shipwreck's gold.

'Play Dirty' finds its allure not just in the intricacies of the heist, but also through Black's brand of humor that thrives in his attention to details, even through the most unexpected dialogues. His unique brand of action film comes alive once again in 'Play Dirty,' an artful blend of calculated brutality with edgy humor, embodying the retro glory of Shane Black's signature style.

So, how does 'Play Dirty' fare against its competitors? While it offers far more substance than the average Netflix action caper, it's hard to ignore the overbearing presence of action-heist tropes and formulaic plot devices. Yet, Wahlberg's performance in his alpha loner character gives the film an interesting edge, proving once again that he can hold down the core of an action flick. 'Play Dirty' encapsulates the essence of Shane Black's nostalgia-filled filmmaking and it's an enjoyable ride for fans of old-school action flicks with a sprinkle of dark humor.