Netflix Overlooked Action Comedy Brings Famous Noir Detective To Life
There’s just something about buddy cop movies that makes them so entertaining. From the heaping helping of cheesy one-liners to the eventual uncovering of some nefarious conspiracy, the buddy cop recipe might remain the same, but it’s tried and true. Although it might be overlooked, the Netflix original film Spenser Confidential is an entertaining addition to the genre.
A Modern Take On A Classic Character
Don’t let the Netflix original title fool you, Spenser Confidential is based on a character that has been decades in the making. First introduced in 1973 in the novel The Goldwulf Manuscript, by author Robert B. Parker, Spenser has been around the block once or twice. As a detective, he’s as hard-nosed as he is intelligent.
Parker wrote 40 novels detailing the adventures of the witty detective until his death in 2010. Since 2013, author Ace Atkins has taken over the detective series. With nearly 50 years of Spenser material to work with, Netflix decided to green-light a film adaptation of Atkins’ novel Robert B. Parker’s Wonderland in 2018.
Mark Wahlberg Is Spenser
In March 2020, Netflix released Spenser Confidential on its streaming platform. The film is directed by veteran director Peter Berg, who has directed films such as Lone Survivor, Patriot’s Day, and Mile 22. The screenplay is penned by screenwriters Sean O’Keefe and Brian Helgeland.
Tapped to star as the titular character was frequent Berg collaborator Mark Wahlberg. The longtime actor may not be known for being the world’s greatest actor, but he can certainly play the role of a foul-mouthed determined cop. Actors Winston Duke, Alan Arkin, Bokeem Woodbine, and Iliza Shlesinger help round out the cast.
Teaming Up With Hawk
Spenser Confidential follows Spenser after he is sentenced to prison after assaulting police captain John Boylan. But after he does his time, it appears that the former cop has put his past behind him and moved on. Spenser is released from prison and finds a place to stay with Hawk, an up and coming MMA fighter.
However, things take a messy turn when Boylan is murdered, making Spenser a suspect in the case. To make matters worse, another detective also winds up dead shortly after. Smelling something fishy going on, Spenser decides to investigate the case himself.
A Predictable But Satisfying Outing
Unbeknownst to Spenser, his impromptu investigation catches the eye of a small group of dirty cops. With the help of his friend Hawk, Spenser must quickly unravel the mystery before the dirty attempt to tie up loose ends.
For most diehard Spenser fans, Spenser Confidential might seem like a bit of a letdown. The plot is slightly watered down to fit into the 110 minute runtime. With little to no surprises in the story, the movie can also be predictable at times.
Stream Spenser Confidential On Netflix
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Despite the predictability, the movie is an enjoyable experience to sit back and watch Wahlberg and Duke play off of each other. The duo work very well together in their respective roles. Shlesinger is also a breath of fresh air, utilizing a surprisingly effective Boston accent in a comedic role.
While not groundbreaking, Spenser Confidential is a fun buddy cop movie. With solid performances and a decent amount of action, there’s plenty to like about this movie. Maybe it’s not the best film out there, but it is certainly worth a watch.
