Mark Wahlberg’s knack for comedy and action roles set the stage for his venture into the espionage-meets-suburban-family genre, reminiscent of classics like “True Lies” and the underrated “Nobody.” The allure of an ordinary family man evolving into a highly skilled assassin taps into viewers’ curiosity about their own hidden potential. However, “The Family Plan” falls short of delivering on this promising premise.
Wahlberg portrays Dan Morgan, an average guy navigating the challenges of family life while secretly harboring a past as a hired assassin. His daily routines include quirky family traditions and a struggle to connect with his teenage children, portrayed by Zoe Colletti and Van Crosby. The film takes an unexpected turn with the introduction of a third child, contributing to the chaotic scenes that unfold repeatedly.
The first major action sequence involves a grocery store brawl, with Dan defending against an assassin while carrying the baby in a chest carrier. This absurd scenario hints at the film’s overall lack of substance, relying on implausible situations for humor rather than grounded, relatable elements. Unlike successful films in this subgenre, “The Family Plan” lacks the foundation of recognizable human behavior, failing to replace its incredibility with laughter or excitement.
As the plot unfolds, we learn about Dan’s past as a hired gun working for the enigmatic McCaffrey, played by Ciaran Hinds. When Dan’s cover is blown, he seeks refuge for his family with an old comrade named Augie (Said Taghmaoui) in Vegas. The ensuing road trip from Buffalo to Vegas serves as a backdrop for potential revelations to Jessica, played by Michelle Monaghan, and a chance to mend relationships with his teens. Unfortunately, the film resorts to clichéd scenes of adults singing along to “Ice, Ice Baby” instead of crafting genuine humor or well-developed characters.
Despite the efforts of Wahlberg, Monaghan, and the supporting cast, the film struggles against a weak script and a director unable to seamlessly merge the ordinary family and action-packed elements. “The Family Plan” concludes with shockingly violent moments, including gunfire in a crowded Vegas casino and a death involving a dirty diaper, further highlighting the film’s identity crisis. The movie fails to commit to a specific genre—be it family comedy, spy thriller, or a fusion of the two—resulting in a lackluster cinematic experience.
“The Family Plan” is currently available on Apple TV+.