In the pantheon of Hollywood`s beloved everymen who are secretly anything but, Mark Wahlberg is set to don the mantle once more. Apple TV+ recently unveiled the first look at `The Family Plan,` an action-comedy poised to blend suburban normalcy with high-octane espionage. If you`ve ever wondered what happens when a minivan dad`s past life involves more than just aggressive couponing, this film promises a riotous answer, premiering globally on November 21.
The Double Life of Dan Morgan
At the heart of `The Family Plan` is Dan Morgan, portrayed by Wahlberg. On the surface, Dan is the epitome of the American dream: a devoted husband, a doting father to three children, and a car salesman who could probably sell ice to an Eskimo. His life is a carefully constructed façade, a testament to years spent trying to outrun a former career that was decidedly less about quarterly sales reports and more about `quarterly eliminations.` Dan, you see, was once an elite assassin. The kind who probably had a very particular set of skills – and none of them involved parallel parking a minivan.
When Past Meets Present
The delicate balance of Dan`s meticulously crafted new life is, predictably, shattered. A seemingly innocuous family trip to London for Christmas to visit their eldest daughter transforms into a desperate flight for survival. It appears one of Dan`s `ghosts of Christmas past` has decided to make a rather unwelcome appearance, turning a festive family getaway into an impromptu, bullet-riddled reunion. One can only imagine the holiday spirit being somewhat dampened by professional hitmen and car chases through historic European streets.
A Stellar Ensemble
Wahlberg is not alone in this comedic maelstrom. He`s joined by the formidable Michelle Monaghan, who plays his unsuspecting wife, a woman likely to discover her husband`s secret identity in the most inconvenient, explosive way possible. Adding another layer of intrigue is Kit Harington, known globally for his stoic performances in fantastical realms. His role here remains shrouded in mystery, but one can hope for a performance that cleverly subverts expectations – perhaps as a former colleague, or even a particularly persistent adversary from Dan`s deadly past.
The Allure of the Action-Comedy Family Film
The `family man with a secret past` trope isn`t new, but `The Family Plan` aims to refresh it with a modern sensibility and a potent blend of heart and humor. The juxtaposition of ordinary family squabbles – “Are we there yet?”, “He`s looking at me!” – with life-or-death stakes offers fertile ground for both genuine laughs and thrilling sequences. It`s a reminder that even the most dangerous individuals can harbor a deep desire for domestic tranquility, even if that tranquility is occasionally interrupted by high-speed pursuits and impromptu martial arts exhibitions.
An Apple TV+ Original
Set to premiere globally on Apple TV+ on November 21, `The Family Plan` further solidifies the streaming platform`s commitment to delivering diverse original content. For subscribers, it promises a convenient way to experience a blockbuster-level action-comedy from the comfort of their own homes, perhaps with their own (less-assassin-prone) families.
Mark Wahlberg`s journey from a Boston street kid to a Hollywood A-lister has seen him tackle everything from gritty dramas to broad comedies. `The Family Plan` appears to be a delightful synthesis of his strengths: a charismatic lead navigating absurdity with a hint of genuine danger. As the Morgans embark on their most unexpected family vacation yet, audiences can anticipate a ride filled with laughs, thrills, and perhaps a subtle nod to the complexities of maintaining a work-life balance when your past work involved international espionage. It`s safe to say, this isn`t your average family road trip.
Wesley Dunham