Broken City (4/30/2013)

Rated R for pervasive language, some sexual content and violence.

Starring Mark Wahlberg, Russell Crowe, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Barry Pepper

Directed by Allen Hughes (The Book of Eli)

If you like political dramas with some twist and turns, Broken City is for you.

In a broken city rife with injustice, ex-cop Billy Taggart (Mark Wahlberg) seeks redemption — and revenge — after being double-crossed and then framed by its most powerful figure, the mayor (Russell Crowe). Billy’s relentless pursuit of justice, matched only by his streetwise toughness, makes him an unstoppable force — and the mayor’s worst nightmare.

I’m not the biggest fan of political dramas, so I actually liked how little politics played a role in this film (with the exception of a “televised debate”). At its core, this film is really about the struggle of doing the right thing. But there are so many clichés and random subplots that I continued to lose interest throughout the film.

The story centers on corruption and power within the world of politicians and police officers. You know: the cop with a vigilante bent, a corrupt mayor, blackmail, double-crosses, incriminating documents being shredded…blah, blah, blah.

Allen Hughes tries to keep things moving through all the plot twists and turns, but it just feels so slow at times.

Mark Wahlberg and Russell Crowe are good, but not great. The supporting cast helps carry the load…especially Barry Pepper.

With the cast and a director like this one, it’s hard not to have high expectations. Those expectations were not met and for me so it’s worth it “only if it’s free.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
No, this one is a R-rating with a scene of nudity and sex, 64 F-bombs and plenty of violence.

CONVERSATION STARTER

1. What do you think were Billy’s plans for his future?


2. What do you think were the mayor’s plans for his future? How did those plans turn out?


3. What plans do you have for your future?


4. Read Jeremiah 29:11
   
   “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
   
   How often do you ask God what His plans for your life are?


5. How do you answer the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”


6. How would your answer change if someone asked you, “What does God want you to be when you grow up?”