Synopsis
It begins with what we think are just the average bank robbers stalking out their next hit. In a small town, we follow Stig (Mark Wahlberg) and Bobby (Denzel Washington) who blow up the diner across the street from the bank and eventually rob it. Unbeknownst to them, they both are on the right side of the law with Bobby being with the CIA and Stig being a part of the Navy. Both sides doing it to take down drug lord Papi Greco (Edward James Osmos). This all gets complicated after they find way more money in the bank than they were supposed to. They also create new enemies after they learn that the money isn’t Papi Greco’s. With money in the mix, everyone turns on one another leaving Stig and Bobby both out of their organizations as AWOL. The true owner of the money reveals himself as Earl (Bill Paxon) a countryman who interrogates everyone he comes in contact with in search of the money. It’s unclear if he owns the money or if he was sent to receive it. Also in the mix is a love interest and CIA colleague, Deb (Paula Patton).
Bobby and Stig develop a bromance as they lose trust in the people around them and realize the ‘Us vs Them’ dynamic. A bond is formed and it’s one that can not be broken by money.
Interpretation
This movie’s heart is about sticking it out for the guy beside you. Bobby is known as someone who always knows a guy, yet he has no one who’s truly close to him. And Stig is too blunt and talkative for anyone to like him. They both belonged to their respective organization and yet they were turned on for the money. Bobby already understands that this is just the nature of business, while Stig resists and believes it should be more about the man next to you. This is an understandable take from a military man. With camaraderie being such an important element to any branch of the military. This mentality eventually infects Bobby and allows him to establish a true relationship with somebody. Making it about 2 guns.