It's a shame that THE YARDS isn't a better movie considering its cast of acting heavyweights---James Caan, Ellen Burstyn and Faye Dunaway alongside new-bloods Joaquin Phoenix and Mark Wahlberg. Wahlberg plays a recent parolee who returns to his Queens neighborhood intent on carving out a more respectable life for himself and his mother (Burstyn). After getting tangled up with old friend Willie (Phoenix), Walhberg soon finds himself wanted for murder AND hunted by low level mobster Caan (who happens to be his step-uncle)---all the while trying to protect his cousin (a sleepwalking Charlize Theron) from Phoenix. Wahlberg mumbles through the movie and Theron is fairly dull. Excellent acting by Caan and Burstyn can't hide the fact that THE YARDS is extremely convoluted and despite a running time of less than two hours feels much much longer. The off-beat supporting cast includes Steve Lawrence (yes, Steve Lawrence) and '70s TV star Tony (TOMA) Musante.
Review of The Yards
