Review of Broken City (2013) by Ron S — 29 Nov 2013

The real mystery behind this 'supense' drama is how could a relatively strong cast and nice cinematography go so horribly wrong to produce a bland, uninspiring film. Walhberg is neither hero, nor anti-hero, but merely an unlikeable schmoe- a loser who knows he's a loser and remains a chump throughout.

The characters are largely caricature, and only in the briefest of moments are there scenes of actual human drama. There are two quasi-romance plots between Wahlberg and his indie actress girlfriend, and Walhberg and his spunky assistant but neither is full formed- the former just ends with little fanfare and no follow up, and the latter seemingly begins with no real emotion and also no progress.

What a waste of, mostly, talented people. As much as director Alan Hughes can give you gritty, urban scenery and drama in some of his other work, this is just flat. You're much better checking out anything Sidney Lumet has ever directed for a REAL gritty New York feel (and a better story).