Originally on 2008’s black list of the best unproduced screenplays, Broken City emerges from development hell with an all-star cast including Mark Wahlberg, Russell Crowe, and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Does the final film live up to its screenplay, though?

Billy Taggart (Wahlberg) is an ex-cop turn private investigator after an incident on the job cost him his badge and luckily nothing else. Business is slow when Mayor Hostetler (Crowe) shows up and offers him a job tailing his wife. What starts out as simple marital problems soon takes a darker and more deceptive turn as a plot of corruption and deceit, and everyone is involved, including the mayor himself.

Broken City is a crime-thriller out of the 70’s full of twist and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. It’s very much a character driven film with Mark Wahlberg and Russell Crowe taking center stage. Both of their characters dominate the screen and director Allen Hughes does a good job at dividing time between the two.

In today’s world of CGI and special effects, Broken City brings a refreshing realism to theaters. The fights and car chases feel real. The tense scenes are spaced out a little too far, though and can slow down the pacing quite considerably. There’s a decent amount of political talk, and while it’s nothing as serious as some of the more political thrillers out there, there are a few moments where you simply wish they would move on to the good stuff.

There’s plenty to like from Broken City and the overall performances of everyone end up on a high note. Despite its stellar cast, however, the film doesn’t stand out that far from the rest. There’s nothing absolutely amazing about it. It’s an above average film with some memorable moments, but don’t expect to be hearing any big news about it anytime soon.

Be sure to check out our interview with star Mark Wahlberg and director Allen Hughes!