Geoffrey DeLeons I would have liked to have issued a "7" to The Yards, because of its credible, accessible, taut story and excellent acting and cast, but the ending was lack-luster. The movie deserved a better ending than the unconvincing testimony of Wahlberg's character (Leo Handler) at the final scene's hearing. The over-all dreariness of the colors in the movie made it appear morose, as well. Contrast the endings and overall tones of The Yards with a similar story, Marked Man: In The Yards, a savvy, tough, recently-released man is dumb enough to get suckered in to a con game, even though he should know better and "wants to be a productive member of society"? In Marked Man, an escaped individual does everything in his power to stay alive and turn the tables on those responsible for the (new) crime he is being accused of. Both hypotheses are believable, but its a bit hard to swallow: the fact that Handler gets in over his head without ever showing any suspicion of the people he's associating with or the "work" to be done.It seems that money is the only thing that really matters to him, despite what he says about personal industry. This makes the character hard to fully support. The colors that the director of The Yards chose to issue the film in are dark and dismal: There are no scenes of beauty. In Marked Man, there are many outdoor scenes, full of brightness and life. In the end of that movie, Roddy Piper's character skillfully and successfully persists in getting the goods on those responsible, clearing his name in the process. I would have liked to have seen a better ending for The Yards: Perhaps James Caan's character spilling the beans on the whole caper, just to take down his adversary, even if it means his incarceration, as well. Maybe he demands that some lenience be afforded to Handler (his nephew) as part of the deal. In any case, Handler would be going back to prison for assault and battery on a police officer, possibly conspiracy, and he only would have himself to blame. A more dynamic character for Chalize Theron would have given the story more texture and substance: Perhaps, with the help of Joaquin Phoenix's character and Handler, she steals important documents or recordings that implicate the top dogs in the flim-flam. Wahlberg's acting was a bit wooden and I'm not sure Phoenix has the chops to act alongside the great James Caan (and Ellen Burstyn). This is a good movie that would have done better with more dynamic female characters, better lighting and a novel ending.

himbletony 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.

witz-2 It is a tale that has been told before. Nothing really new here. The cast was very good. The production design was OK. Lighting and sound should have been better. I wonder about the choices the director made.It is one thing to try to make a Noir film, but I was totally turned off by the hushed tones, and whispers. Conversations seemed to take place in echo chamber. As it continued to be unhearable, it became unwatchable.If you have a quiet media room, then you might get more out of this than I did.There are plenty of other crime dramas out there.

Enchorde 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