Jan Wahl Movie Review: 'Broken City'

(KCBS) – KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl reviews the dramatic thriller "Broken City," starring Mark Wahlberg, Russell Crowe, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Barry Pepper and Kyle Chandler.

KCBS Entertainment Reporter Jan Wahl:

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BROKEN CITY (R)

Broken City is like an expensive, all-star episode of law and order. That's not bad when it comes to movie escapism, especially when you're talking Russell Crowe and Mark Wahlberg facing off in a political crime thriller. Wahlberg plays a former policeman turned private detective who's thrown headfirst into trouble when the Mayor of New York (Crowe) hires him to investigate his wife (Catherine Zeta Jones).

There are a few too many twists and turns; it's easy to be confused – but not boring. I give a special hats off to a lack of graphic blood — a reminder that exploding bodies isn't necessary for a movie's excitement or tension. There's also some beautiful cinematography of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Fine for DVD.

Two hats.

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Movies To See Right Now: Lincoln, Beasts of The Southern Wild, Les Miserables, Zero Dark Thirty & Silver Linings Playbook

Home Viewing/DVD: Arbitrage, Trouble With The Curve & The Words

In Theatres: Anything Goes (through Feb. 3 at Golden Gate Theatre)

You can hear KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl's movie reviews on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM Fridays at 8:53am & 4:53pm.

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• Russell Crowe