The Union (2024) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Introduction
Netflix’s latest action-comedy, The Union (2024), has quickly climbed to the top spot on the streaming giant’s charts, capturing the attention of viewers worldwide. Directed by Julian Farino and starring Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry, the film offers a blend of action and comedy. However, while it may have achieved initial popularity, the movie has not escaped criticism. In this review, we will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of The Union, explore its plot and character development, and guide you on where to watch it online, especially in the United States.
Plot Summary
The Union follows the story of Mike (Mark Wahlberg), a construction worker from New Jersey who is unexpectedly thrust into the world of international espionage. Mike leads a simple life, enjoying his blue-collar job, hanging out at dive bars with his friends, and engaging in casual relationships. His life takes a drastic turn when his high school sweetheart, Roxanne (Halle Berry), reappears after years of no contact.
Roxanne, now a seasoned agent working for a secretive government agency called “The Union,” enlists Mike’s help on a high-stakes mission. Hackers have gained access to the personal information of government employees across the Western world, and Roxanne’s team must retrieve this data before it falls into the wrong hands. Mike, an unlikely candidate for such a mission, is chosen because of his anonymity—he’s a “nobody” who flies under the radar, making him the perfect pawn in this dangerous game.
As Mike is dragged from New Jersey to London, he finds himself in a world of super spies, dodging bullets and navigating complex espionage operations. The film attempts to balance action and comedy, but this is where it stumbles, as the premise proves to be flimsy, and the character development falls flat.
Movie Review
Action-Comedy or Missed Opportunity?
The Union aims to combine elements of action and comedy, but it struggles to find the right balance. The action sequences, while occasionally thrilling, often feel unremarkable and fail to leave a lasting impression. The comedic elements, intended to lighten the tone, mostly fall flat, leaving viewers with little more than half-hearted chuckles. The movie’s inability to excel in either genre results in a disjointed experience that lacks the charm and excitement one would expect from a film with such a star-studded cast.
Character Development: A Missed Mark
One of the most significant drawbacks of The Union is its lack of compelling character development. Mark Wahlberg’s portrayal of Mike is familiar and uninspired, reminiscent of many of his previous roles. Mike is depicted as a laid-back, somewhat cocky East Coaster who is suddenly thrown into a world of danger. However, the film fails to provide a convincing reason for Mike’s involvement in the mission beyond a vague sense of nostalgic romance and perhaps a hint of patriotic duty. As a result, it’s challenging to connect with Mike or care about his journey.
Halle Berry, an actress with proven action credentials, struggles to elevate her character, Roxanne, due to the film’s weak script. Despite her efforts, Roxanne remains underdeveloped, and the chemistry between her and Wahlberg’s character is almost nonexistent. The film’s reliance on the “will-they-won’t-they” trope as its primary source of emotional depth feels forced and unconvincing, further diminishing the film’s impact.
Tonal Inconsistency and Script Issues
One of the most glaring issues with The Union is its tonal inconsistency. The film oscillates between action-packed sequences and attempts at humor, but neither aspect is executed particularly well. The action scenes lack innovation, and the comedy feels forced, resulting in a movie that fails to engage its audience fully. The 105-minute runtime drags on, making the film feel longer than it actually is.
The script, laden with clichéd dialogue and predictable plot points, does little to enhance the movie’s appeal. The humor is particularly weak, with jokes that land with the impact of a deflated punchline. The film’s attempts to generate laughter are more likely to elicit eye-rolls than genuine amusement, leaving viewers frustrated rather than entertained.
Audience Reception and Criticism
Despite its initial success on Netflix, The Union has been met with mixed to negative reviews from audiences and critics alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a meager 28% audience score based on over 100 reviews. Many viewers have labeled the movie as “generic” and “cheesy,” with some even expressing disappointment over its inability to deliver anything beyond boredom.
This low rating marks a notable low point for both Wahlberg and Berry, whose previous films have generally fared better with audiences. For Berry, this is one of the lowest-rated films she has starred in over the past decade, with her last comparably poorly received movie being Kings (2017), which holds a 31% audience score.
Where to Watch The Union Online
If you’re interested in watching The Union despite its flaws, there are several streaming and rental options available in the United States:
1. Netflix
- The Union is currently available for streaming on Netflix, where it has climbed to the No. 1 spot in the UK and is gaining traction in other regions as well. Netflix subscribers can watch the film as part of their subscription.
2. Rental and Purchase Options
- Amazon Prime Video: For those who prefer not to subscribe to Netflix or want to own the movie, The Union can be rented or purchased on Amazon Prime Video. The platform offers the film in HD and provides options for both renting and buying.
- Apple iTunes: iTunes also offers The Union for rent or purchase in various formats. This is a great option for viewers who want to watch the film on Apple devices or download it for offline viewing.
- Google Play Movies & TV: The Union is available on Google Play, where users can rent or purchase the movie in SD, HD, or 4K quality.
3. Other Streaming Platforms
- Vudu: Vudu offers The Union for rent or purchase, providing another option for those who prefer to watch movies on this platform.
- YouTube Movies: The Union is also available on YouTube Movies, where you can rent or buy the film and watch it directly on YouTube.
Final Thoughts
The Union (2024) is a film that struggles to live up to its potential, weighed down by a weak script, lackluster action, and uninspired performances. While the movie has found an audience on Netflix, its shortcomings have not gone unnoticed by viewers and critics alike. If you’re a fan of Mark Wahlberg or Halle Berry, or if you enjoy action-comedies, you may still find The Union worth watching. However, temper your expectations, as this film may leave you feeling underwhelmed.
For those interested in giving The Union a chance, it is readily available on Netflix and various rental/purchase platforms in the U.S. Whether you choose to stream it or rent it, this film is easily accessible for your viewing convenience.
