Visually, The Yards is very good, whether it is the direction or especially the photography, which is kind of the trademark of James Gray.Because script wise, it is very conventional and little inspired. The movie doesn't revolutionize at all what has already been made previously, and if the story unfolds pretty smoothly, it doesn't fully captivate, also because of a wheezing rhythm.The other big problem is the cast, little convincing. Joaquin Phoenix, though not bad, isn't transcending either, as always. As for Mark Wahlberg, he is too inexpressive and really lacks finesse in his acting for such a dramatic role.

I had to move pretty quickly when this movie first came out. In spite of strong reviews, I guessed it wouldn't be around for long (in recent times, think of the wonderful Tabu, which in spite of ecstatic reviews, totally bombed in the UK). It was good that I caught it and I did not regret it. This is more than a story of corruption and redemption, it is also an amazing mood piece. The fact that so many quality stars were involved in this film tells you how impressed they were by the script and by the vision of director James Gray. I think the slow ratcheting of tension was beautifully done, not at all boring. In some ways it reminded me of "On the Waterfront", which I also love and was as much about character as plot. Yes, it is THAT good.

Not sure why I hadn't heard of this movie before. Now that I have, I can convincingly say that it's mostly first rate and should be seen by anyone interested in those quirky off-the-beaten-path types that still manage to tell a real story without all the Hollywood garbage. Burstyn, Theron, Caan, Dunaway, and Phoenix go all out while newcomer Wahlberg struggles to get over his wooden-ness. It's a minor point, however, since most of his scenes are covered nicely by the more mature actors. Both Wahlberg and Phoenix went a long way with "We Own the Night," but this little piece is how they got started back when. Also, I kind of enjoyed seeing Charlize Theron as the flirty, young gamin who comes to a rotten ending at the hand of her vile lover. Well done !

Recap: Leo has just been released from prison after doing 18 months time. He gets a job at his aunt's husband's yard. But being on parole, his job suddenly involves bribery and sabotage. One evening everything goes wrong, and Leo get wrongfully accused of murder. He goes on the run, sought after both by the police and his former friends that now regard him as a threat.Comments: This is a low key thriller about how loyalty and friendship comes to a head with honesty and self preservation. Set in the middle of a family and it's family business it always keep a level of pressure, a level of suspense on the character Leo and the story itself. Without any up tempo bits, without explosions and without any high paced chases it still keeps interest. And that's good. However, it doesn't really reach any climaxes either. No scenes when almost everything comes to a point, when you are on your edge as a viewer. It only walks slowly along its storyline, with only small changes in pace. And that makes it good, but without any real high points. It is a good movie, but it will soon be forgotten.It relies heavily on the acting, and fortunately it has casted well. A movie that sports Mark Whalberg, Charlize Theron, James Caan, Joaquin Phoenix and Ellen Burstyn, among others, can consider itself lucky. Those are solid, quality actors and actresses and as usual they perform well. But like everything else they must conform to the story, and also never reaches any real high points.A good movie, with a good story but maybe a movie that should be viewed if you like any of the actors especially well. Or like stories about corrupt public systems more than others.6/10