Thescreescore – Mark Wahlberg’s latest cinematic endeavor, the R-rated crime thriller By Any Means, has ignited a fervent debate, showcasing a striking divergence between professional critics and the broader moviegoing public. While reviewers offered a lukewarm reception, audiences have rallied behind the 1966-set drama, propelling its Rotten Tomatoes score to an impressive high. This historical narrative, which sees Wahlberg embody the notorious real-life hitman-turned-FBI-informant Greg Scarpa alongside Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as an FBI agent investigating a civil rights-era murder in Mississippi, initially garnered a middling 55% from critics upon its release. However, the ultimate arbiter of cinematic success – the audience – has now spoken with a resounding 87% approval rating, based on over 250 verified ratings.
This robust audience score marks a significant turning point for Wahlberg, potentially reversing a recent string of critically polarized films such as Balls Up, The Family Plan 2, and Play Dirty. Should this trend persist, By Any Means would not only end Wahlberg’s recent critical slump but also narrowly secure a spot among his top ten highest-rated films by audiences, achieving parity with the acclaimed Lone Survivor. For co-star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, the film’s audience reception is equally notable, tying with Ambulance as his second-highest audience score to date, underscoring his consistent appeal to moviegoers.
The schism in opinion largely stems from various creative choices and performances within By Any Means. Critics frequently highlighted a perceived tonal imbalance, suggesting that the profound historical themes occasionally felt overshadowed by the film’s more sensational, revenge-driven elements. While Abdul-Mateen’s grounded portrayal earned widespread praise, Wahlberg’s energetic, often over-the-top depiction of Scarpa drew mixed reactions. This disparate dynamic between the two leads, some argued, caused the film to struggle with its own identity. Furthermore, Wahlberg’s prosthetic nose became a conspicuous impediment for many, often cited as a distracting and even absurd element that detracted from the narrative’s gravitas.
Related Post
Conversely, audiences appear to have embraced these very elements, appreciating the story’s historical significance, the engaging action sequences, and Wahlberg’s vibrant screen presence. Director Elegance Bratton shared a poignant anecdote with Entertainment Weekly, revealing the profound emotional impact Wahlberg’s transformation had on Greg Scarpa Jr., one of the film’s advisors. Witnessing a scene based on a childhood memory, Scarpa Jr. was visibly moved to tears, exclaiming, "Daddy, daddy," as Wahlberg, in full makeup, so closely resembled his father and the set mirrored his childhood home. Bratton remarked, "That’s the stamp of approval that I’m most interested in," crediting his "wonderful makeup department head, Howard Berger," for the successful transformation.
Despite this strong audience endorsement, By Any Means is projected to secure an $8.5 million haul during its debut four-day Labor Day weekend, a figure that, unfortunately, positions it among Wahlberg’s lowest domestic box office starts. While it ranked fourth overall, behind enduring releases like Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, and Coyote vs Acme, it did emerge as the strongest new opener, surpassing Onslaught and Fall 2: Deadpoint.
Looking ahead, Wahlberg’s busy schedule includes a reunion with his Departed co-star Vera Farmiga in Apple TV’s forthcoming comedy-drama Weekend Warriors. He is also slated to embody another historical personality, Chris Eatan, in Netflix’s crime thriller The Big Fix, which delves into the infamous FIFA scandal. Release dates for these projects are yet to be announced.
By Any Means, penned by Sascha Penn and marking Elegance Bratton’s second full-length directorial effort, features a compelling ensemble cast including Nicole Beharie, Josh Lucas, David Strathairn, and Giancarlo Esposito. The film is currently captivating audiences in theaters.
Leave a Comment