We Own the Night (2007)

Wholly unremarkable

Acting & production was up to par for a movie of today's caliber, which is why I give this movie more than one star.

The entire plot, on the other hand, has been so overdone throughout the years, that creating a movie of this style today would require more imaginative writing. This movie was predictable at many points, and beyond that, did not give me any "Wow, I never saw that coming!" moments.

Glad I watched it on PPV as the 99-cent special, rather than paying to see it in a theatre. Just never came close to hitting home with me. October 9, 2008

A Gritty Crime Drama

Shadow Watcher
Nobody Drowns in Mineral Lake
WE OWN THE NIGHT is a riveting cops-and-robbers thriller that deals with the Russian Mob in New York and Brooklyn during the 1980s.

It's filled with an array of complex characters, terrific performances and exciting action scenes, particularly a shoot-out in a "stash house" and an auto chase that redefines that kind of sequence.

Joaquin Phoenix stars as the manager of a Brooklyn nightclub, owned by the Russian Mob. He stays uninvolved with any illegal activities that may be going on under his nose, until his brother (Mark Wahlberg) and father (Robert Duvall), both high-ranking cops, approach him to help bring down a major drug dealer operating out of the club. Phoenix, initially refuses, but after the cops raid the club and, subsequently, Wahlberg becomes the victim of an assassination attempt, he agrees to go undercover for the police.

Eva Mendes co-stars as Phoenix's girl friend.

When it comes to gritty big city police dramas, it appears that director James Gray is going to be the natural successor to both Sidney Lumet and Martin Scorsese.

© Michael B. Druxman, author of ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD (available December 2008) October 6, 2008

We Own The Night blu-ray edition

I really enjoyed this film and I am glad that I made this purchase. It has an excellent cast and story. September 20, 2008

You will not be bored watching this fantastic DVD

First of all,Joaquin Phoenix has got to be the Greatest young actor of his generation.I have never seen a film he's been in that I have not been moved by his performance .The rest of the cast are wonderfull also.This DVD is like a rollercoster ride.I've recommened this film to alot of my friends,and not one of them have been dissapointed. September 13, 2008

Intense. Pheonix is amazing in this movie.

This movie was great. I didn't know what was going to happen next! Phoenix is so great in this movie! Interesting family ties. September 11, 2008

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