Review of The Yards (2000) by Christopher S — 03 Apr 2011

It's a shame that THE YARDS isn't a better movie considering its cast---James Caan, Ellen Burstyn and Faye Dunaway alongside at the time were new-bloods Mark Wahlberg, Joaquin Phoenix and Charlize Theron. 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 (Pheonix), 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 does her perfect "what's going on here?" routine she's been cultivating in movies for the past few years. 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 Musante.

I would have liked to say "The Yards" was a great film, but frustratingly, it falls short. Despite a great cast, this tale of corruption in the NY Rail industry manages to reach coma-inducing levels of boredom. Those who like their films incredibly dreary, with most of the cast mumbling or whispering their lines, will love the mind-numbingly film that is The Yards.