Phoenix, Wahlberg own the screen

Movies have always examined how deep the loyalty runs between family when tested by outside forces. Sometimes loyalty is tested by the love for the same woman. Sometimes it is tested by past events that caused a traumatic divide. Often, loyalty is tested by differing personal beliefs. The famous scene in Godfather when Michael Corleone lets his father know he is with him both physically and spiritually shows how a person can abandon their own beliefs to join their family. In the movie We Own The Night loyalty to family is the major theme. Two brothers, one living his own life in the glamorous world of night clubs and the other following their father and working as a police officer, must overcome their conflict to achieve a goal. Joaquin Phoenix plays the black sheep of the family and Mark Wahlberg plays the "good" son. Robert Duvall is the stern police captain who has the respect of seemingly the entire NYPD. The movie takes place in the late 70's/early 80's in a drug plagued New York City. Phoenix is running a successful nightclub that is overrun with illegal drugs. When his brother, Wahlberg, starts running an anti-drug unit they are destined to collide. The movie does a great job of giving a grim, dirty look to the drug era while still showing the side that is appealing to the club goers. Phoenix enjoys the fast paced life he lives and is thriving until a drug post gets him arrested. Obviously, this breaks his father's heart and disappoints his brother. The turning point for Phoenix is an attempt on his brother's life. Now the realities of his profession hit home. He must decide what is more important his profession or his family. The movie does an excellent job of showing the complicated relationship that is between the family. Phonenix and Wahlberg, who in my opinion should be considered a top actor because of his role in The Departed, are mesmerizing as two brothers with differing ideals. Although, most of the plot twists are predictable the superior acting makes up for the lack of surprise. The plot actually became secondary to the relationship between two brothers and their father. I give this movie an A, four out of five stars, and a thumbs up. That should cover all the bases.