The Yards
In the rail yards of Queens, contractors repair and rebuild the city's subway cars. These contracts are lucrative, so graft and corruption are rife. When Leo Handler gets out of prison, he finds his aunt married to Frank Olchin, one of the big contractors; he's battling with a minority-owned firm for contracts.
Insights
Plot Summary
Leo Handler is just out of prison and looking to start fresh, hoping to go straight and work for his uncle's railroad car wheel installation company. However, his parole officer's interference and a failed attempt to break ties with his former associate Willie Banks force him back into the criminal underworld of Queens, New York.
Critical Reception
The Yards received mixed to positive reviews from critics, with many praising James Gray's confident direction and the performances of the lead actors, particularly Joaquin Phoenix. However, some found the plot to be overly convoluted and derivative of earlier crime dramas.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its atmospheric direction and strong performances, especially from Joaquin Phoenix.
- Criticized for a dense and somewhat predictable plot.
- Seen as a competent but ultimately unremarkable entry in the crime drama genre.
Google audience: Audiences generally found the film to be a well-acted and moody crime drama, though some felt it lacked originality and a compelling narrative arc.
Fun Fact
Joaquin Phoenix has stated that he found the character of Willie Banks to be one of the most difficult roles he had ever played due to the character's inherent amorality.
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