By 24FPS – Movies
Broken City (2013), directed by Allen Hughes, is a gritty political crime thriller that attempts to blend noir atmosphere with modern-day corruption, power plays, and personal redemption. Starring Mark Wahlberg as Billy Taggart, an ex-cop turned private investigator, and Russell Crowe as the manipulative Mayor Hostetler, the film sets up an intriguing premise: uncovering the dirty secrets behind a city’s leadership.
The story kicks off when the mayor hires Taggart to follow his wife (Catherine Zeta-Jones), suspecting infidelity. What seems like a simple job soon spirals into a web of deceit, blackmail, and political scandal. Wahlberg brings a solid performance as the flawed but determined protagonist, while Crowe exudes arrogance and menace as the corrupt mayor. Zeta-Jones adds complexity, though her screen time feels underused.
While Broken City boasts strong performances and sleek visuals, it struggles with uneven pacing and a script that doesn’t fully deliver on its potential. Despite its flaws, the film raises interesting questions about justice, loyalty, and moral compromise in a world where power often trumps truth.
Overall, Broken City is a watchable, if imperfect, urban thriller that thrives on atmosphere and star power, but misses the opportunity to dig deeper into its themes.
