We Own The Night

We Own The Night would almost carry the day, but for the fact that we have seen almost everything before. A police mole inside the underworld? The Departed. The war on drugs? American Gangster. Russian mobsters? Eastern Promises. A family on two sides of the law? Are you kidding me?

Still, there are many things to recommend in We Own The Night, not the least of which is Joaquin Phoenix. As manager of a nightclub who finds himself inadvertently in clash with his policeman father and brother and invariably trying to defend himself for his job, Phoenix brings tortured dilemma to screen.

Forced to make a choice between the two sides of the law when his nightclub 8220;friends8221; target his family, he is not as good. The least believable part of this film is that Phoenix, after all that happens, decides to join the police.

Wahlberg, an equally good actor, is unfortunately sidelined. We see him as just the dutiful son and nothing more. He even comes out looking strangely cold-hearted and dispassionate.

Gray is great in creating atmosphere, especially at the drug house, during a car chase in the rain and the ending in the midst of a field. And in the beautiful Mendes, he creates a genuine love story for Phoenix. She is not just another woman in an all-male tale. However, the climax you keep waiting for never comes.