Broken City

A down-on-his-luck PI, once an NYPD cop who was dismissed under suspicious circumstances is hired by the incumbent mayor of NYC as he is running for a third term. The mayor wants his wife investigated. The PI does his job, maybe too well.

It sounds like a typical crime drama. But the stars come with high credentials. The PI is played by Mark Walberg (anybody remember Marky Mark? He's grown up nicely!). Russell Crow is the mayor, and Catherine Zeta-Jones is his wife. Walberg talks about the film in this video with clips from the movie:



And this interview (also with clips) gives Mr. Crowe's take:

(Sorry, I can't imbed the video - but it's worth a look.
http://videos.cineplex.com/All-Videos/1924643036001/On-set-with-Russell-Crowe-on-Broken-City/Video/

Opens in theaters Jan 18th - Guess where I will be?

Annie

Looks great! Thanks! You will be there--watching!

Went to see this film today. For those who haven't yet, here is one of several junket interviews that were done by satellite between the US and Australia. There are at least half-a-dozen of them, but this one that aired in Phoenix is my personal fave. Sorry, it won't imbed, you'll have to follow the link, but it's quite good, I think.

http://www.azfamily.com/entertainment/Russell-Crowe-dishes-on-latest-film-186987091.html

As I said, I saw the film this evening. It is an intense political thriller that is a bit like the old film-noire genre from the 30s - 50's, set in modern-day NYC. What I liked most was the way the plot unfolded, bit by bit, with new stuff and surprises popping in all the way to the end.

The casting was top-notch. Even the minor characters performed extremely well. The direction ran smoothly. Allen Hughes is one of two twin brothers who have usually worked together on films like Menace II Society and The Book of Eli (haven't seen either, but recognize them as having been well-received).

I've posted trailers and interviews so I won't repeat the plot basics other than to say that a very popular, long-time NYC mayor hires a PI to investigate his wife, but the PI finds more than he was looking for - evidence of massive corruption within the city government. Murder and mayhem follow.

And for those who care, there are even very brief scenes where the filmmakers find an excuse for both Russell and Marky-Mark to take off their shirts in true Hollywood fashion.

It's all good.

Give it a try.

Quote :

What I liked most was the way the plot unfolded, bit by bit, with new stuff and surprises popping in all the way to the end.

No, what you liked most was Russell Crow. lol

There is that.

I'm fascinated by his ability to create such believable characters, yes, but Nick Hostedtler is not a nice man. It was difficult to find Mr. Crowe behind the fake tan and Donald Trump hair. I have at least as fun watching the promotional clips coming from his farm in Australia.

This one for Reelz.com is another good example.

http://www.reelz.com/movie-news/15576/russell-crowe-talks-broken-city-and-his-thoughts-on-man-of-steel/