I Watched This Denzel Washington Action Movie for the First Time and I Can Totally See Why It's on Netflix's Top 10 List

In my current quest to rewatch every single Denzel Washington movie ever made, I have finally stumbled upon one I haven’t seen yet— 2 Guns , a 2013 action film on Netflix that centers around two special agents who team up for an undercover sting operation. Now I have to admit, I put this movie on my watchlist years ago, but never got around to actually watching because while I like "agent Denzel," it’s not my favorite when it comes to his character catalog. The 2006 film Déjà Vu was an exception because of the fascinating time travel element, but I’m more a fan of "father holding a hospital hostage to save his son’s life" ( John Q. ) Denzel, and "father using his basketball star son to try and get out of jail" ( He Got Game ) Denzel.

Nonetheless, upon hearing that 2 Gun s is currently blazing its way up the Netflix charts, I decided it was time to put on my movie critic hat once again.

Here are some reasons why you should give it a watch.

1. The Chemistry Between Washington and Mark Wahlberg Is Really Great

Universal Pictures

Okay, okay—I’ve seen plenty of movies like 2 Guns before and so have you. That meant for me to personally like it, this film was going to have to bring something different to the table. That "something" was the chemistry of Washington and his co-star Mark Wahlberg, who is no stranger to action films himself. Together they pair well, playing off their characters' strong personalities with a few witty lines (and a little bit of charm) thrown in-between. An unlikely pairing, yes, but one that works. It’s also very well-acted all around, adding to the fun.

2. The Intense Action Scenes Are Fun

Universal Pictures

A movie called 2 Guns needs a reasonable amount of action to back it up, and this film definitely lives up to its name. There’s more than enough shooting, explosions, stunts of shooting, explosions, stunts and choreographed fight scenes to keep you entertained throughout as the pair battle with the Mexican cartel, which ultimately leads to them going on the run. Oh, and the use of the shaky cam is well-placed (even if slightly overdone).

3. The Comedy Is a Nice Surprise

Universal Pictures

Comedy and action don’t always go together, but when they do it ends up being a dynamic combination. Both Wahlberg and Washington are funny in their own subdued, semi-serious manners, meaning you’ll be laughing without even realizing it. Plus, there are moments in the film where their characters are visibly annoyed with one another, and who doesn't like to see buddy cops argue?

4. The Plot Twists Are Aplenty

Universal Pictures

Beneath the surface of the "typical action cop" movie lies an intricate plot that goes deeper than expected. There are various plot twists and turns you don’t see coming, and once you put two and two together, you will be pointing at your television just like that infamous Leonardo DiCaprio meme .

PureWow Rating: 3.8 out of 5 Stars

2 Guns isn’t my favorite movie from Washington or Wahlberg, but it checks the box in providing quality entertainment, which is precisely why it’s rising on the Netflix streaming list. The chemistry between the two lead actors alone is enough to tune in, and Washington reuniting with Paula Patton (who also starred in Déjà Vu ) is another nice element. I definitely recommend giving this film a shot.

You can stream 2 Guns on Netflix .

The 20 Most Terrifying Korean Thrillers to Stream Right Now

Why You Should Trust Us

PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.