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Here's a look at the new films I've reviewed this week.

Brooklyn's Finest
Starring: Wesley Snipes, Ethan Hawke, Richard Gere, and Don Cheadle
Quick Take: This film follows a trio of New York City cops facing their share of problems. Gere plays a burnout a week from retirement, Hawke plays a narcotics detective willing to compromise his morals to get the money he needs to care for his expanding family and Cheadle plays an undercover officer who is getting lost in the game. Cheadle's character becomes further conflicted when he's asked to set up a dealer (Snipes) who once saved his life. The film doesn't offer a lot of positives when it comes to law enforcement, crime enforcement, the drug trade, or life in the inner city. It's gritty without offering much in the way of hope, insight, or a solution.
Rating: R for bloody violence throughout, strong sexuality, nudity, drug content and pervasive language.
Verdict: One star out of four.

Green Zone
Starring: Matt Damon, Amy Ryan, Greg Kinnear and Brendan Gleeson
Quick Take: This is a film about the war in Iraq that takes a critical view of the U.S. government and its true mission in Iraq. The film begins seemingly as an action-thriller, but quickly moves into a political thought piece. Those that have spent time learning more about the campaign in Iraq will know that the story in "Green Zone" is grounded in fact, but the presentation comes off as overly preachy. There are strong performances and good craft, but the film isn't for everyone.
Rating: R for violence and language.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Remember Me
Starring: Robert Pattinson, Emile de Ravin, Pierce Brosnan and Chris Cooper
Quick Take: This is a "romance" drama featuring Pattinson, the star of the "Twilight" series. The film takes a long time to get where it's going and is predictable the whole way there. In addition, the "plot twist" at the end revolves around a difficult incident in American history and felt inappropriate as a prop in such a self-absorb film about self-absorbed people. There are some witty and entertaining moments, but Pattison's "acting" leaves something to be desired. It's a story about two people who suffered deaths in the family and have serious daddy issues that find each other and form a bond that endures its own share of challenges and hardships.
Rating: PG-13 for violence, sexual content, language and smoking.
Verdict: One star out of four.

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