The Yards

This is a complex psychological drama without a single loud bang or crash, so those who require such pyrotechnics to be entertained will probably be very bored. Having noted that, for those who can slip easily into the rich interplay of about a dozen different perfectly acted characters and into a realistic and fascinating description of one aspect of modern day organized crime, the Yards is a real treat. Every character, no matter how minor, has an arc of their own, and every character, whether ostensibly "good" or "bad" can be understood and sympathized with. Far from black or white, The Yards lives in shades of gray, much like we all do.

Recommended.

Anyway, to the review: I liked this movie. I wasn't really sure what decade it was supposed to take place in and that kinda distracted me-- the cars seemed pretty modern but the music, houses, furniture, and even some of the clothes were hard to judge. I'll just assume that it takes place "in the now" but I don't think it really matters...it just bugged me. The acting was good but nothing phenomenal, I guess I just expect good stuff from these actors. The casting was pretty typical-- Mark Wahlberg (baby faced tough guy ...), Charlize Theron (weepy girlfriend, except she has ... greasy black hair and wears lots of black eyeliner in this...it's an interesting change of look for her), and Joaquin Phoenix (bad guy with good intentions).

The story is based around the character Leo, played by Marky-Mark (oops, I mean Mark Wahlberg...so sorry). Leo just got out of prison; he wants to start a new life as a "productive member of society" so he looks for a job at his Uncle Frank's (James Caan) rail repair yard where his best friend Willie (Joaquin Phoenix) works. Willie takes Leo under his wing and shows him the ropes of the rail repair industry. Everything is looking good for Leo until he learns more about what Willie's job entails-- blackmail, "favors", vandalism, sabotage, and ultimately murder. Almost exactly the same moment when Leo realizes that what Willies does is illegal, things start to fall apart in a major way-- after an unfortunate turn of events, Leo ends up being the prime suspect for a murder he did not commit and is forced to be "on the run".

Poor Leo doesn't know what to do or who to turn to...the police want him for murder and his Uncle wants him because he knows too much about the illegal dealing of his rail repair company. Leo must decide between doing what's right and betraying his family or taking the fall for a murder and going back to prison for life. That's the main plot and that's all I'm saying....if I told you anymore you wouldn't need to see the film.

Recommendation: "The Yards" has a good plot line and is well acted. If you're going to buy it or rent it make sure you snag the DVD, it's got lots of extra stuff on it like director's commentary and behind-the-scenes/makings of footage. It's basically an organized crime family type of movie but not quite...I guess if you like "The Godfather" and other mafia related films you'll like this. If you like Mark Wahlberg you'll like this film. If you like Joaquin Phoenix you'll definitely like this film...you'll probably even buy it like I did! :)

Returning home from prison, Leo, takes a job at his uncle Frank's (James Caan) company working on contracts with the New York City subway system.

Once on the job, Leo, meets his uncle's top guy (Joaquin Phoenix), and before long, he realizes his uncle is involved with corruption, and payoffs.

"The Yards" is a gritty drama that sports an excellent cast;Mark Wahlberg, Joaquin Phoenix, Charlize Theron, James Caan, Ellen Burstyn, and Faye Dunaway. Although, slowly paced, the film puts a smart, and interesting spin on big city corruption. Very much a character driven film, "The Yards" will disappoint those looking for fast action. But anyone looking for an intelligent, well acted movie will be pleased with this one.

Nick Gonnella