Broken City, released on Jan. 18, 2013, is a stylish and entertaining neo-noir thriller that boasts a strong cast and a compelling plot.
Mark Wahlberg delivers a gritty and charismatic performance as Billy Taggart, a disgraced ex-cop hired by the ambitious Mayor Hostetler (Russell Crowe) to investigate his wife’s infidelity. What begins as a simple assignment quickly spirals into a dangerous conspiracy that threatens to expose a web of corruption at the heart of city hall.
Seven years after Taggart left the NYPD and now working as a private detective, Hostetler contacts him and hires him to investigate his wife who might be having an affair with Paul Andrews, campaign manager of Jack Valliant, Hostetler’s rival in the upcoming elections.
Mark Wahlberg and Russell Crowe in Broken City (Photo/FOX)
The film benefits from a strong cast that features Catherine Zeta-Jones as Hostetler’s alluring wife, and Kyle Chandler as Andrews.
The supporting cast, including Barry Pepper, Natalie Martinez, Michael Beach, Griffin Dunne and Jeffrey Wright, further elevates the film.
This is director Allen Hughes’ first solo film following films he directed with his brother Albert including Menace II Society, Dead Presidents, From Hell, and The Book of Eli starring Denzel Washington.
The film’s atmosphere is effectively captured by the stylish cinematography and the moody score.
Reception for Broken City
Broken City grossed $9.5 million in its opening weekend, place fifth in the domestic box office behind Mama ($32.1 million) starring Jessica Chastain, Zero Dark Thirty ($18.6 million) from Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow, Silver Linings Playbook ($12.7 million) starring Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Robert De Niro, and Gangster Squad ($10.1 million) starring Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone and Sean Penn.
The film would gross $34.7 million in its theatrical run.
Richard Roeper gave the film three out of four stars in his review, saying “It’s pretty trashy and sometimes stupid. But there was never a moment when I wasn’t entertained on one level or another.”
Owen Gleiberman gave the film a B in his Entertainment Weekly review, saying “The big ”revelation” feels like something out of an oh-so-topical Hollywood thriller from the ’80s. The truth is that we’re way past being outraged by these sorts of Crimes of the One Percent, not because they don’t happen, but because the real version is so much more interesting.”
Legacy
Broken City offers a thrilling ride with plenty of twists and turns. It’s a solid entry in the neo-noir genre, providing a satisfying blend of action, suspense, and political intrigue.
