In “Shooter,” a high-caliber action movie that gives ’70s revenge fantasies a contemporary spin, Mark Wahlberg plays Bob Lee Swagger, a military marksman in embittered retirement after an off-the-books African mission backfires. When an envoy from Washington (Danny Glover) informs him that an assassin is stalking the president, and asks for help to pinpoint sites the sniper might use, the veteran reluctantly agrees.

Before you can say “grassy knoll,” Swagger is framed for murder and running from the law. With the help of his best friend’s widow (Kate Mara) and an FBI agent (Michael Pe’a) just hatched from the academy, Swagger hunts the real killers – professionals who are as deadly, resourceful and relentless as he. Almost.

“Shooter” is a guy movie par excellence, one straight-ahead action scene clicking smoothly into the next, guided by the skilled hand of director Antoine Fuqua (“Training Day”). The distinctive aspect of “Shooter” is how forcefully it hits the theme of government corruption.

Wahlberg’s performance bristles with self-confidence. By the finale, Swagger is a full-fledged folk hero. It looks as if Wahlberg has found an action franchise that fits him like a pair of Calvin Kleins.