“Four Brothers” (Paramount Pictures)
John Singleton became a movie legend when he directed his first feature film, “Boyz N the Hood,” at a very early age. Since that time he has had some more successes and some not so successful films. His latest movie “Four Brothers” should prove to be one of his biggest hits in years.
Mark Wahlberg, Andre’ Benjamin, Tyrese Gibson and Garrett Hedlund play four men who were adopted in their teens by Evelyn Mercer (Fionnula Flanagan). Bobby (Wahlberg) and Jack (Hedlund) are Caucasian, while Angel (Gibson) and Jerry (Benjamin) are African-American, but that didn’t matter after Evelyn adopted them. Then they became four brothers named Mercer.
At the start of the movie Evelyn is killed in a convenience store robbery. The four brothers come home for their mother’s funeral, and also to learn how and why she was killed. The detectives (Terrence Howard and Josh Charles) investigating the crime tell the brothers to stay out of it but the brothers don’t listen. They want revenge and they are going to get it.
The vengeance element of the story makes this a modern western with the four men taking the law into their own hands. John Wayne would be proud, and so would Charles Bronson as the movie also has a certain vigilante element like his “Death Wish” movie.
Singleton’s direction is right on target in this film as he shows us the strong bonds between the brothers and the real affection they share not only with each other but also with their adoptive mother. He is also able to elicit a very natural and strong performance from Wahlberg. The man who was once known as “Marky Mark” has gotten better with each movie role he tackles. His performance here is one of his best and should win him strong critical praise.
It should be noted though that all of the actors are good in their roles from the other three brothers to Flanagan to Howard to Charles. Sofia Vergara makes an impression as Sofi, Angel’s spitfire girlfriend.
The film is rated R for profanity, violence and nudity.
To enjoy a movie such as this you have to be totally on the side of the “brothers” in every act they commit. Singleton sets the stage for revenge by making Mercer’s killing a brutal one. From that point on the audience is with the four brothers all the way.
“Four Brothers” has strong acting, suspenseful situations, humor and heart. Oh yes, and there is violence in there too. But best of all it is presented in a way that provides solid entertainment, and in this summer of sequels and remakes that is a welcome change.
I scored “Four Brothers” an adopted 7 out of 10.
