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"Four Brothers" is, in its way, a family film. Despite a lot of violence and rough sequences, it makes the point that families should stick together during hard times. Evelyn Mercer (Fionnula Flanagan) has found many ways to help troubled kids and make sure they will live a happy life. She adopted four extremely troubled young children and cared for them, and despite all of their differences they grew up as a family. Many years later after the brothers have gone their separate ways, the mother is murdered in a convenience store hold-up. When hearing this, the brothers, Bobby Mercer (Mark Wahlberg), Jack Mercer (Garret Hedlund), Angel Mercer (Tyrese Gibson) and Jeremiah Mercer (Andre Benjamin), reunite. When they learn that the hold-up was more of an execution, they decide to take down the killer. Although there is quite a bit of violence in this film, it is there to make a serious point. However, the film can be somewhat unrealistic at times. For instance, after a major shootout between the brothers and hockey masked gunmen with machine guns, the police simply assume it was a case of self defense. "Four Brothers" is reminiscent of the John Wayne film, "The Sons of Katie Elder." Here, the action is set in inner city Detroit, making the film a slightly different genre, an urban western. "Brothers" can be very heartwarming at times, such as when the brothers reunite, stay in their mother's house and fight as they would when they were children. The film also develops each character's relationship with the mother, as we see them sitting around the thanksgiving table. Each brother sees her in his own way sitting there with them. The film generates a lot of tension, but still maintains its sense of humor. "Brothers" also has its share of storylines, one for each brother, and a fairly deep back story concerning the mother. The brothers all mean well, but without their mother to protect them they are all alone and left to fend for themselves. Victor Sweet (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a crime boss, is found to be working with one of the brothers, as the rest investigate to find out more horrifying truths. Director John Singleton seems to have his highs and lows but has a knack for finding talented casts. You sense that he wants some of his films to be taken seriously and others are done just to appeal to teenage audiences. This is one of the better films he has made, as was the recent "Hustle and Flow." You may think "Four Brothers" sounds somewhat predictable with a straightforward storyline, but you will be surprised with the twists and turns that the film take. Singleton knows how to keep things fresh and interesting. "Four Brothers" is a big crime drama, thriller and action movie that brings violence and heart to the big screen. It is an outstanding and a memorable experience. Rated R for strong violence, pervasive language and some sexual content. Running time 108 minutes. email this review to a friend
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