With the recent success of "The Sopranos", the angsty gangster has made it back into popular entertainment. There's a long pedigree, going back to The Godfather, and The Yards is another story that explores these kind of characters.
Leo (Wahlberg) is just out of prison, and works at his Uncle Frank's train parts company with his best friend Willie (Phoenix). He soon discovers the company isn't exactly legit, with Willie showing him how to bribe politicians by day and sabotage the competitors work by night. With Willie becoming part of Leo's family life as well through his relation with Leo's cousin (Theron), Leo soon finds himself in over his head.
For those of you who caught James Gray's first film, Little Odessa, you'll remember the mixture of crime film, family drama and superb cinematography. The same goes for The Yards, with the outstanding cast, stylish visuals and lush pipe-organ score aiding the telling of a graceful, gentle tale of family and betrayal.