We Own the Night

Not a particularly original story, but with its structure (it could easily have been de facto wrapped up in an hour over, but it isn't, and that's a good thing!) and the well written and of course well acted character of Joaquin Phoenix, it towers quite high above the genre average. No unnecessary attempt at shocking twists, very well shot action (the car chase tops the list), and a divinely perfect Eva Mendes. Brilliantly written and directed. (27/09/2012)

Genre fans are extremely conservative creatures, so for a good experience, they need the same ingredients mixed in a similar ratio and spiced up with a drop of innovation in the form of a modified label on the packaging. Only the faces of the main characters change, the essence remains the same. We Own the Night draws inspiration from the trend of crime films focusing on the drug trade and the influence of the Russian-speaking mafia in the USA. Otherwise, it is a run-of-the-mill film of its genre with a predictable plot, stereotypical characters, and worn-out schemes. Of course, the family motif is not missing, as the main character wavers between loyalty to his family working in the police force and his friends from his personal life. We also get Eva Mendes portraying a sensual beauty. Genre fans can add any number of stars to the review, but a film where I can predict every move of the screenwriter and director in advance tends not to satisfy me. Overall impression: 40%. It's simply not Eastern Promises... (01/03/2009)

This unbalanced police story suffers from: a) an acute lack of tough guys, b) narrative dilettantism, and c) too much chatter. So for next time: Mark Wahlberg is not suited to the role of a good daddy, and if Joaquin Phoenix wasn't such a big shot we’d have a hard time buying into his "family" motivation. In addition, brotherly relationships can be cemented in action, not by crying on a shoulder. The Departed is on another level... (30/03/2008)

We Own the Night is smaller and less original, but more open and emotionally relatable than the similar American Gangster. Excellent actors, hard-on-inducing Eva Mendes, and a breath-taking car chase that will make the blood freeze in your veins. Very good job, folks! (18/02/2008)

There have been so many of these tough stories that it can't be counted, but this new release rides on the wave of the magnificent American Gangster, though unfortunately it doesn't measure up. If it wasn't for Phoenix, I wouldn't know where to look out of boredom. The family background doesn't have enough connection, and therefore some reactions are unjustified – or rather, you don't sympathise with the characters. The fault is in the the script, of course, not the actors – though, to be honest, good-guy Wahlberg’s performance is particularly good this time, and daddy Duvall can do better too. There are two scenes that are worth watching: the creatively conceived car chase with excellent camerawork, and the infiltration scene. The Russian accent is awesome. (23/09/2008)