‘The Family Plan’ Review – Wahlberg Goes Undercover In This Hilarious Action-Comedy

Mark Wahlberg is going undercover in The Family Plan. In the film, he plays a suburban dad who enjoys his quiet life with his wife and three children. Dan Morgan is a successful car salesman and family man who is also a former elite assassin. When Dan is found, he packs the wife and kids for a cross-country road trip to Vegas; the family believes it to be a vacation, but the excursion is just a cover so he can protect his family without revealing his secret assassin life. One part vacation comedy and one part action movie, The Family Plan uncovers no new ground in the “family member is a former spy” subgenre. Still, it does provide some cheers and hilarious action.

Joining Wahlberg is Patriots Day co-star Michelle Monaghan, who plays his unsuspecting wife, Jessica. The children round out the Morgan family: the rebellious daughter Nina (Zoe Colletti), gamer son Kyle (Van Crosby), and the adorable and hilarious baby Max (Iliana Norris). In addition to the family, Ciarán Hinds and Maggie Q add to the stacked cast. Both elevate the movie with their scene-stealing presences. Much of the story and antics of The Family Plan is around the Morgan Family’s impromptu vacation to Vegas, which is just the cover for Dan to protect his family. The back-and-forth hijinks are thrilling as Dan will stop at nothing to evade these attackers who are pursuing him.

One of these moments occurs during the night portion of the trip while the family sleeps, and Dan drives the mini-van while taking out a series of motorcycle snipers. Saving much of the action for the movie’s third act, the film takes its time, showcasing Dan’s efforts to protect his unsuspecting family. That is not to say there are no action-packed moments in the first half. Wahlberg balances the role of mild-mannered family man and former assassin with enough distinction. He is nearly taken out in a supermarket and defends himself from an attacker while his baby son is strapped to his chest. 

Much of the suburban elements and story about Dad keeping a secret from the family bring True Lies to mind. While The Family Plan does not reach the spectacular heights of the Schwarzenegger flick, it finds its footing through the family dynamics of The Morgans. 

As mentioned, the movie focuses much of its plot on the spur-of-the-moment road trip. Monaghan and Wahlberg have a natural chemistry. It works in romantic moments and when they are taking down some baddies. Their story draws inspiration from the couple in True Lies. The happy but yearning wife and the seemingly pedestrian husband become caught up in the latter’s secret former life. The movie takes time with their relationship before the secret is out of the bag. The result allows for subtle comedy by Wahlberg and a hilariously energetic performance by Monaghan. 

In addition, the kids are more than an add-on to the story. Often, the children become one note in these films, but the story gives them unique personalities. Nina and Kyle both have payoffs in the third act’s action-infused showdown. The son’s gamer history becomes invaluable to Dan and allows for some fun father-son moments. Gamers and streamers alike will also appreciate the appearance of YouTuber Valkyrae, who pops up once the family arrives in Vegas.

Much like the title suggests, this is one movie where the whole family gets in on the action. The Morgans proved to be something of an A-Team. Hilarity and action are right on target. While the material is sometimes familiar, Wahlberg and company add a certain charisma to keep it engaging. The Family Plan is one for the whole family to enjoy this holiday season. Plan on it.

The Family Plan is currently available to stream on Apple TV+

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ns8weNznn1Y]