'Broken City' has 3 links to the Hudson Valley

Friday January 18, 2013 5:20 PM By Chris Serico

Photo credit: Handout | Mayor (Russell Crowe) subtly threatens his wife (Catherine Zeta-Jones) in "Broken City."

Mark Wahlberg's latest movie, "Broken City" hits theaters today, and there are at least three Hudson Valley connections to the flick.

Set in New York City, the thriller noir follows former cop Billy Taggart (Wahlberg), who's hired by the mayor (Russell Crowe) to keep an eye on the mayor's wife (Catherine Zeta-Jones). But the mayor's assignment isn't as it seems, and Taggart later finds himself seeking redemption.

So, how does all this tie into the Hudson Valley, exactly? We're so glad you asked.

1. Zeta-Jones lives in Bedford. The Academy Award-winning actress and her husband, Michael Douglas, call the affluent Westchester community home. If you're keeping score, that's three total Oscars on the mantel: Zeta-Jones' supporting actress trophy for "Chicago," Douglas' Best Picture award for producing "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," and Douglas' Best Actor bookend for "Wall Street." Impressive.

2. Crowe was a temporary Rockland resident. While filming the extremely rewatchable "American Gangster" in the Hudson Valley with fellow Oscar-winner Denzel Washington, Crowe reportedly rented a house in Nyack. And while they don't live together in Bedford, they, too, have three Oscars between them (Crowe for "Gladiator," Washington for "Glory" and "Training Day," all in acting categories). And say what you will about Crowe's singing in "Les Misérables," the guy is one of his generation's best actors.

3. Mount Vernon-raised Diddy is on board — but why? With roots in Mount Vernon (check out his Little League photo for proof), Sean "Diddy" Combs is trying to mobilize his more than nine million Twitter followers to see the movie. "Make sure you go check out #BrokenCity THIS Friday!!" he tweeted, going the extra mile with a Fandango link. He's not in the movie's cast or crew, and I can't say I've ever seen him hanging out lately with Zeta-Jones, Crowe or Wahlberg. My gut tells me he's quietly a paid spokesman, given his huge Twitter following and propensity for peddling Ciroc.

Which of these reasons is the best incentive to see "Broken City"? Vote in Newsday Westchester's poll and explain your answer in the comments section. Still not convinced you're as enthused as Diddy? Check out the trailer below and consider Newsday's review of the flick.

Tags: Bedford , Catherine Zeta-Jones , Nyack , Russell Crowe , Diddy , Mount Vernon , movies