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Walhlberg's "Broken City" Opens This Week

MIAMI (CBS4) - Grass doesn't grow under the feet of actor and producer Mark Wahlberg.

At age 41, his resume is impressive. He's starred in many hit films, including the recent hit Ted and has created, and produced, several highly acclaimed TV shows like HBO's Entourage and Boardwalk Empire.

"This year was a big challenge for me. I did this movie and got down to 165 pounds. I got up to 212 pounds playing a body builder here in Miami in Pain and Gain and then I lost 40 pounds to play a naval officer with Denzel (Washington). I had 32 days between those 2 movies. Then I went on to Navy SEAL training to play in Lone Survivor," said Wahlberg.

In his latest project, Broken City, Wahlberg plays Billy Taggart, an ex-cop who seeks redemption and revenge after being double crossed by the city's most powerful man, The Mayor, played by Russell Crowe.

"What is it about that face of yours and that image that people like to root for you," asked CBS4's Lisa Petrillo.

"I don't know. I think people relate to me as an underdog," said Wahlberg. "Also as guy who is willing to fight to do the right thing and has worked hard to redeem himself. Hopefully, I've worked hard to be a better person. My faith and my family are the most important things in my life."

For South Florida's Nathalie Martinez, who plays Wahlberg's ex-girlfriend, working on a film with its star studded cast was a powerful lesson.

"It was amazing to work with people of that caliber," said Martinez. "We all came in there and got our hands dirty and we believed in it and we did it."

"It was such a well written movie" said Wahlberg. "Great juicy characters, a strong story. That's what attracted all the talent. We didn't have the luxury of paying people all the money. It was the story that attracted them.

Rated "R" - Broken City opens in theatres this week.

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