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I've wanted to see this movie for such a long time. I'm
pretty sure that this film was limited in release because even
when it was out I couldn't find any theater within 50 miles that
was playing it...it must have been one of those LA/NY
movies. So, when "The Yards" finally became rentable
at Blockbuster I made it my mission to get a copy. I had to
see this film (Joaquin is in it!).
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 wannabe), Charlize Theron (weepy girlfriend, except she has
gross 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 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! :)
-- Patsy
( 3 out of 4 pops )
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