Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Language, drinking, innuendo in violent action thriller.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Union
What's the Story?
Middle-aged Mike (Mark Wahlberg) lives with his mom, works a construction job, hangs out at a local bar with his high school buddies, and seems to rotate one-night stands in his hometown in New Jersey in THE UNION. When old flame Roxanne (Halle Berry) walks into his bar one night, Mike's feelings for her are reignited. Little does he know Roxanne is there to recruit him to work for an international spy organization working to recuperate key stolen intelligence. The dangerous mission will take him far from his beloved Jersey and well outside his comfort zone, but Roxanne knew that Mike would be uniquely suited to spy work.
Is It Any Good?
It's disappointing that a film with two lead actors with so much potential for romantic chemistry, not to mention comedy, focuses instead on the much less original action. The Union might be trying to set itself up for a franchise, like other recent Netflix endeavors such as Heart of Stone or Red Notice. In fact, they all feel somewhat interchangeable. That's not to say this film isn't worth your time. The action sequences are well choreographed, the international locations are eye-catching, and the actors seem to be having fun, especially Wahlberg. But it could all have been more.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Roxanne repeatedly belittles Mike's life because he still lives at home and works a construction job in The Union. How does this reflect their differing values? Does the film seem to suggest one lifestyle is more worthwhile than the other?
How does the film use classic songs, including by Bruce Springsteen, to match the characters and locations? Can you think of any specific examples?
Mike refers to himself as the "Jersey James Bond." What does this film have in common with the Bond movies? How about the Bourne series? Do you see any parallels to other movies you've watched?
Wahlberg and Berry are both in their 50s. Does their age surprise you, considering the stunts and action in this film? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : August 15, 2024
- Cast : Mark Wahlberg , Halle Berry , J.K. Simmons
- Director : Julian Farino
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : STEM , Adventures , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Run time : 109 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sequences of strong violence, suggestive material and some strong language
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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