Broken City: Film Review

The thing that confuses me most about Broken City is that it is set today, in modern times. With a corrupt mayor, a sensual woman embroiled in an affair and a hard guy on a quest for truth and redemption, perhaps this ‘noiresque’ story of deceit and justice on the mean streets of New York should be left in the 50s. Then again, so many have gone before it you have to praise the bravery of the choice.

I couldn’t help but think that because of its winding plot with more twists, back-handed deals and lies than the Grand Theft Auto game series the story grows ever more improbable. And, while at times it’s hard to follow because of the sheer number of suited, tired-looking guys involved and constant double-crossing, essentially it rolls on fairly predictably.

That said, if you take Broken City for what it is, not particularly original but certainly not boring either the film is watchable and at times entertaining.

Russell Crowe, as the highly immoral and brutal mayor, Nicholas Hostetler hires ex-cop – with a dark past of his own – now private detective Billy Taggart (Mark Wahlberg) to find out who is having an affair with his beautiful wife, played by Catherine Zeta Jones. There are underlying motives, of course.

In doing so, Taggart becomes entwined with lucrative yet foul deals deep in the city. An upcoming election with Hostetler up against the ‘good guy’ liberal Jack Valliant (Barry Pepper) leads to a load of other official business that would be better left to someone else to sort out, right?

The film concludes with a serious, tentative dilemma and the quite thrilling culmination of the mayoral election, as well as much unearthing of times past.

Overall, the script at times is lacking and the film loose in having any real, winning bite, but with some hugely impressive shots, alongside some good performances Broken City, director Allen Hughes’ first solo film is most definitely worth a go.

Director: Allen Hughes
Produced by: Randall Emmett; Mark Wahlberg; Stephen Levinson; Arnon Milchan; Teddy Schwarzman; Allen Hughes; Remington Chase
Russell Crowe; Mark Wahlberg; Catherine Zeta Jones
Release: 2013
Running time: 109 minutes

- Joshua Barrie

Safe Haven: Film Review

After putting to rest any sort of early suspense, Safe Haven quickly descends into an unbearably sentimental romance drama with not an ounce of anything than a cheesy watch for a newly-formed 17-year-old couple.

While this couple enjoys a collection of sugary treats, they’ll see a tragic tale of domestic abuse, as a Boston police detective (David Lyons), who of course is also an alcoholic takes out his anger on his strong-willed wife, Erin (Julianne Hough). She flees to South Carolina, where the soppy parade begins with a widower and store manager (Josh Duhamel) and his two children.

Lasse Hallstrom has created an all-American love story yet again, complete with a gentle, caring man, two children – one of them initially resilient to a ‘new mother’ – in need of a ‘complete family’ and the desire in all involved to begin a new, happy life.

Granted, there are a couple of thrilling moments and a neat twist, but if this film were comparable to anything, it would be a shiny birthday card with a gut-wrenching line and a matching rose; or a teddy bear that says ‘friends forever’ on its snuggly belly.

I quite enjoyed Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, which, while also quite a ‘wet’ tale provided a genuinely intriguing plot and offered real substance.

Safe Haven however is too embossed with love and family. The other elements that have made some of Hallstrom’s past work watchable are incredibly limited here, and I simply found myself bored.

This is long, tiresome filmmaking and I hope Hallstrom connects with something more inventive in his next output. I’m sure this will please those who crave a love story filled to the brim with clichés and hand-holding; if that’s you, have a nice couple of hours.

Director: Lasse Hallstrom
Produced by: Marty Bowen; Chad Freet; Wyck Godfrey; Ryan Kavanaugh
Julianne Hough, Josh Duhamel, David Lyons, Cobie Smulders
Release date: February 2013
Running time: 115 minutes

- Joshua Barrie