The Yards

Plot

Following his release from prison, Joe heads back to his home in Queens NY, where he discovers his mother Val, is now in ill health. Her sister Kitty, is now married to Frank, the CEO of a railway contracting firm, and his cousin Erica’s boyfriend (and his best friend) Willie is Frank’s right-hand man.

When he discovers that there is corruption within getting the best bids on contracts, he finds himself once again in the spotlight, and wanted for a murder he did not commit following a harrowing night out with Willie.

Direction

James Gray writes and directs the film, and wrote the screenplay based on events that occurred in his own real life. There are some decent moments within, but this is low in the action – and more of a drama and character development.

Cast/Characters

Wahlberg is somewhat poor here as Joe, and seems almost lost in a too mature script. He ‘broods’ in most of the film and some of his expressions don’t match what is happening in the film. Sadly despite his lead role, he is the poorest part of the film.

Joaquin Phoenix is strong as Willie, and delivers a solid performance. Charlize Theron, as Erica is a little wasted, and really only has one moment towards the end of the film where she something to do – other than the obligatory topless scene.

With such a dynamite supporting cast of James Caan as Frank, Ellen Burstyn as Val and Faye Dunnaway as Kitty – this should have been so much better. The three of them are some of the best parts of the film.

Screenplay/Setting/Themes

The themes of redemption are prominent with Joe trying his best to go straight after disappointing his mother so badly. He starts off as a bit one dimensional, but is written quite well, and does become a character we sympathise with later on.

The main theme I found was betrayal, with Joe being betrayed by his best friend Willie., and not knowing who to really turn to. Secondary characters also ‘turn’ on each other as the story unfolds – and the corruption story broadens.

I thought the revelation that Joe and Erica once slept together in their teens was a little on the nose, and did not need to be included. It just added animosity between Willie and Joe that was already there.

I found that the ratio between the corruption storyline and Joe’s trying to clear his name could have been done a little smoother. The final act with the hearing was also very dialogue heavy – and if one did not have a bit of an understanding of the system, or area might get a little lost. I fell into both.

Score/Soundtrack

Howard Shore’s score brings the feelings of the characters to the surface, it has dramatic undertones and is beautiful and tender – especially in one moment between Erica and Frank.

Overall

A solid drama/thriller – well written, with some great dialogue – however it is marred by the weak performance of the lead. Wahlberg would go onto be a stronger performer later on in his career, but unfortunately this weakens my score. Secondary cast members like Phoenix, Caan, Burstyn and Dunnaway are great too.

3.5/5