If action-packed movies and a slew of gorgeous actors are key to your movie going experience, “Contraband” is the movie to see.

Chris Farraday (Mark Wahlberg) is a legendary smuggler who got out of the life — the life of crime, that is. He has moved away with his family to raise his kids in a better environment but it seems he hasn’t moved far enough.

Farraday quickly finds himself back in the middle of all he walked away from thanks to his brother-in-law, Andy (Caleb Landry Jones).

Andy tangles himself in a predicament when he dumps the drugs he is running to avoid the coastal border patrol. Tim Briggs (Giovanni Ribisi), Andy’s ruthless boss, is unhappy with the way he handles the situation.

Farraday is forced back into doing what he does best — running contraband — to settle Andy’s debt. A crew is assembled quickly with the help of his best friend, Sebastian (Ben Foster) for one final run to Panama and back.

Things begin falling apart quickly and Farraday is put to the test. He must use all of his skills and connections in Panama to get out alive. Time is of the essence as his wife, Kate (Kate Beckinsale), and sons become Briggs’ targets.

Contraband is a griping action-packed movie that keeps moviegoers guessing. There are many unexpected twists and turns but somehow the characters make it through.

Moviegoers leave wondering, “Have I seen this before?”

If anyone has seen a Mark Wahlberg film then, yes, it is strangely familiar. Even though this movie may be another variation of some other drug smuggling films out there, it is good.

The actors display their talents well in this film. Beckinsale, who does not normally play this type of role, gives a glimpse into the depth of her acting. Ribisi and Foster by far are the favored actors. Ribisi always takes the character he is portraying to the next level, as displayed in this film.

Foster, who is known for his roles in smaller budget movies like “Pandorum” and “Alpha Dog,” is not a big time actor, but the few he has been in are up to par. In “Contraband,” Foster displays refreshing acting skills. He doesn’t allow himself to be typecast in a dead-end role.

Overall, the movie is really good. I enjoyed the twists and turns as it made the movie unpredictable.

Rating: A-

To contact Emily Schorr, email staffwriter1@occc.edu.