The 2025 crime caper film Play Dirty is Mark Wahlberg’s Parker. The strictly professional thief created by Donald E Westlake’s other non-de-plume Richard Stark. There have been no less than 6 films made based upon the “Stark” character, Play Dirty is number 7. All feature a disregard for human life; at least amongst the criminals.
Director Shane Black, who also co wrote this one, gives us an action packed heist film. *He shares writing credit with Chuck Mondry and Anthony Bagarozzi.* Sadly, this is too much of a good thing. At 125 minutes, it feels longer.
Play Dirty Story
Parker and his gang are double-crossed by a member of their own team; Zen. She kills everyone but Parker and takes the money. Parker then builds a new team to steal some priceless artifacts and Zen resurfaces. Reluctantly, they join forces to steal from The Outfit.
The Cast
Mark Wahlberg is Parker.
LaKeith Stanfield is Grofield.
Rosa Salazar is Zen.
Keegan-Michael Key is Ed Mackey.
Chukwudi Iwuji is Phineas Paul.
Nat Wolff is Kincaid.
Tony Shalhoub is Lozini.
Thomas Jane is Philly Webb.
Let’s Talk Play Dirty
In many ways this feels like a deadlier cousin to the 2005 film Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Especially the soundtrack at the start, all mournful jazz with a bit of a twist. It is also, a Christmas movie. However, Parker is not light hearted at all, he is very professional and serious. When he cracks a joke, or makes a rapid, light-hearted riposte, it feels off. He really is not feeling any holiday cheer.
That may be down more to Wahlberg as an actor. I have seen him in films where he was funny. Just not many. In Play Dirty there are shootouts, a case of mass murder, at the start, and a lot of double crosses.
Mr Bluey
There is a joke about elephants. Blue ones. It takes entirely too long to get to the punch line. One thing that makes the gag drag on is the fight between Parker and Kincaid. Like everything else in Play Dirty, it takes far too long.
For a film so full of action, shootouts and reverse plays, the film seemingly takes forever for that last reel to play out.
Comedy
There are some comedic moments. The new team all get trashed to celebrate the job. They learn that the job has been moved up. Cue drunken reactions. Not hilariously funny, but at least the film tries.
A Double Cross Too Many
The main reason this one does not work as well as say, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, is that the mix of double crosses and comedy are not evened out. They do not play on each other. This is more a comedy of errors, where despite Parker’s best laid plans, things work out. There is a disconnect here. Parker is coldly professional, is he not? This is a heist that happens in spite of his expertise.
The Verdict
Play Dirty earns a shaky 3 stars. Too long and meandering to be really good. The film feels cobbled together. Despite the cinematography being spot on and the stunts looking pretty darn good, the film fails to fully satisfy.
It is streaming on Prime Video right now.
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