Leo Handler (Wahlberg) is a young kid just released from prison after taking the fall for a crime he and his friends committed together. His goal is to return to society and make something of himself, rather than fall back into a life of crime. Inevitably it doesn't work out that way and he gets caught up in a world of blackmail, murder, pay-offs and sabotage. This film is about good intentions foiled by the environment one is surrounded by. His family gives him what appears to be a new start, and his friend Willie (Phoenix) shows him the ropes. A tragic confrontation occurs and Leo is trapped into silence and suspicion. Leo gets blamed for a murder he didn't commit, and is forced to run from the law and his own family who want to keep him silent.

There are also many intriguing sub-plots. A love story with Charlize Theron in an unglamorous role, and a distressed mother played by Ellen Burstyn. James Caan is supremely vicious as the would-be Godfather of the family who works with the rail industry, and Faye Dunaway is very understated and minimal, which is unusual for her, as his wife.

The mood is what is memorable here. It is a very dark piece with lonely performances and somber overtones. Almost the entire film takes place at night and this creates a very stylish environment in which the director can work his magic. The film could easily have fallen into melodrama, but it avoids that pitfall altogether. The director is meticulous when it comes to lighting and framing of a scene. The acting is solid from top to bottom, with special mention to Mark Wahlberg who is turning out to be a very fine young actor with many good roles to his credit.

The first twenty minutes are slow, but like a good book, once you get drawn in, you're hooked. Sometimes the dialogue is muffled and doesn't come across as clearly as the viewer would like... but it is so rare that it is forgivable. The ending is a little too tidy, with the movie studio executives probably getting exactly what they want. A few cliché's could have been avoided in the final 15 minutes.

Not a must see, but if viewed, one that you will remember and think about.

© Written by TC Candler

How We Rated This Film TC Candler - B Richard Propes - B- Jacob Hall -

Richard Propes' Comment

Joaquin Phoenix steals the show here in this drama about a young man (Mark Wahlberg) who is released from prison, and the impact the environment has on his efforts to live the straight life. "The Yards" is a tad predictable, and drags in places but an above average cast keeps the film interesting. On a lighter note, I had to chuckle that Theron's character is named "Erica Stoltz." What's that about, anyway?

Jacob Hall's Comment

n/a