Essentially - "We Own the Night" - is a cop film.
But, unlike the others in the genre that harp about honor and duty, this little gem focuses more on "family".
Apparently, it was booed at the Cannes Film Festival.
But, I liked it!
It's kind-of an intimate tale about a young man who must make a troubling decision when his wild lifestyle puts his father and brother in harm's way.
Joaquin Phoenix is the manager of a trendy dance club, who thrives on the adrenalin-rush of the night life, high-energy music, and the thrill of rubbing shoulders with an exotic mix of dangerous low-life personalities.
The path of least resistance, also appeals to the independent nature of the young man, too.
Occasionally, he snorts a whiff of cocaine and engages in a little wild sex.
Yeah, ignorance is bliss.
His comfortable carefree existence is interrupted one evening when a Machiavellian drug dealer saunters into the club and starts to shake up the status quo.
The scumbag attracts so much attention, in fact, that the club becomes the focus of a drug investigation instigated by Phoenix's brother (Mark Wahlberg)and headed up by their father (Robert Duvall).
When the brothers' heads start to butt - and Wahlberg's character ends up seriously injured after a professional hit by the underworld - Phoenix is compelled to reevaluate his lifestyle.
In the film - "The Departed" - I found Wahlberg's acting a little over the top and out-of-sync with the other seasoned actors he played against.
Here, the studly actor has found a proper balance which works.
Not an exceptional bit of acting, but it satisfies.
As usual, Robert Duvall turns in a quality performance.
However, when roles in films overlap a little, there are bound to be some repetitions.
Thus, his crusty portrayal of the Police Chief amounts to the - same old same old - I'm afraid.
Nothing to write home about.
In contrast, Phoenix turns in stunning performance which steals the show!
His performance is not only nuanced, but a multi-faceted characterization, which rivets the audience.
Phoenix's acting is a revelation with touches of brilliance.
When actors talk about the "method" - realistically portraying an emotion and crafting a seamless performance - this is was what they are talking about.
Having succeeded in fleshing out his character - Phoenix is subsequently able to touch, mesmerize, and render - a haunting lasting impression.
The film was directed by James Gray, who carved a bit of a niche for himself in the industry, with projects like "Little Odessa" and "The Yards".
In this instant case, the direction is a little pedestrian.
But, the cinematography is rich and impacts the eye; enough so, that the audience remains connected to the action.
Yes, there's plenty of that, but not in a distracting exploitative way.
"We Own the Night" is not innovative or great filmmaking.
But, the movie is entertaining, none-the-less.
A good popcorn movie to cuddle up at home with on a dark stormy night.
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