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almost but not quite. , 11 July 2008
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We Own the Night
on DVD (2007)
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Eva Mendes, Mark Wahlberg
Director: James Gray
Certificate: 
This film does seem to seriously split opinion. I have to say never have i watched a film that has had so many things done not only well but perfectly and in some cases even breaking new ground.
I agree wholeheartedly with the reviewer who pigeon-holed walberg as a wooden actor who always seems to appear in good movies so you never notice his ineptibility to act. (the english version of this by the way i feel is Jude LAw). However, aside from this pitfall once again Phoenix gives us another reason for me to place him among the finest actors of his generation. He steals the show in gladiator and walk the line and here he bursts of the screen. One memorable scene when he has a controlled fit over his decision to...(cant tell you or i may ruin it)...but anyway in this scene he momentarily makes you feel like you are there in the room with him. Duvall also supports memorably and the villains are equally well played and not too cliche.
The direction is the films strength here. James Gray has only made 3 features and this is the first i have seen and it is refreshingly gritty and has an original feel to the way he has created the mood of 80's new york. The car chase scene even on a small screen is unbelievable!!! I wish i had seen that on the big screen.
HOwever despite all this and some great dialogue it seems to be very empty and i can only put this down to a one dimentional plot. I think it needed to be longer and maybe incorporate some more sub plots and just comlpicate things a little. It was also a little far fetched especially the nearer the end you get. Some of the things that happen are a little hard to swallow even though you are being expertly distracted by all the skills on show.
To sumarize...watch on a good tv with good sound, dont expect too much and admire the craftsmanship.
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65%
from 17,912 members
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