We Own the Night

Joaquin Phoenix plays a drug-addled nightclub owner involved with the Russian mob who finds himself caught in the crossfire when his joint is raided, an event that threatens the lives and livelihood of his family, who happen to be cops. Mark Wahlberg is his brother who wants to basically run him out of the shady business he's in, and Robert Duvall is his police deputy chief father who is torn between compassion for his sons and duty to do the right thing. When things begin to careen out of control and Wahlberg survives an attempt on his life, Phoenix agrees to turn informant on the very mob he gets his drugs from. Once he goes undercover all hell breaks loose. Thrown in for good measure are some surprisingly fine dramatic scenes between him and his superhot Puerto Rican girlfriend (Eva Mendes), who provides the emotional fireworks, along with some pleasing eye candy. In many ways this traditional-looking flick gives off a feeling of been there, seen it, but director James Gray adds just enough nuance and interesting character development to the 1988-set movie that we forgive most of its faults (chief among them the rather one-dimensional stock Russian dudes). Get past the negatives and there is much to recommend, including one thrilling car chase set in a torrential rainstorm that is worth the price of admission alone. The brilliant cast is at the top of their game as We Own the Night comes at you with the force of classic police dramas like Serpico and The Departed (the comparison aided by Wahlberg's arresting presence here). At the same time, it pulsates with a raw energy and rhythm all its own.