Four Brothers

Of the "Four Brothers" in this film's title, three are played by former musicians or models — Mark Wahlberg, Tyrese Gibson and Andre Benjamin (a k a Andre 3000 from OutKast).

Don't let that fool you. This is not a glossy drama filled with pretty-looking people. Instead, it's a revenge-thriller and is one of the ugliest, nastiest movies in recent memory.

The film's most deadly flaw is that it only occasionally has a sense of humor. But that's not a huge surprise when you consider that it was directed by John Singleton, who — like his films — takes himself too seriously for his own good.

"Four Brothers" refers to the Mercer boys — quick-tempered Bobby (Wahlberg), womanizer Angel (Gibson), businessman Jeremiah (Benjamin) and rocker Jack (Garrett Hedlund). They're reunited at the funeral for their mother, Evelyn (Fionnula Flanagan), who was shot and killed by gang members during a convenience-store hold-up.

Rather than waiting for the police to find her killers, they've decided to take matters into their own hands. But they discover that the crime was not what it appeared to be — that it may have been a killing ordered by local gangster (Chiwetel Ejiofor). And while they ponder their next move, the four are trailed by a pair of cops (Terrence Howard and Josh Charles) who want to stop them from practicing their vigilante brand of "justice."

There are some plot twists, but they're glaringly obvious — and almost laughable. And the film appears to be making the statement that "Death Wish"-style revenge crimes are acceptable.

There are a couple of exciting moments, including a house siege and car chase over icy roads. But the impact is undercut by the performances, especially Wahlberg's. His affected tough-guy-isms are getting increasingly tiresome (as is his perma-scowl).

Benjamin and Gibson try to lighten the mood a bit, though, but they're not strong enough performers yet. And Howard is wasted in his go-nowhere supporting role.

"Four Brothers" is rated R for strong scenes of action violence (including shootings, beatings, vehicular violence and some violence against women), frequent use of strong sexual profanity, some gore, use of crude sexual slang terms and racial epithets, brief nudity, brief sex and a scene of torture. Running time: 108 minutes.

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E-mail: jeff@desnews.com