Sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll own ‘The Night’

Robert Duvall, Mark Wahlberg and Joaquin Phoenix are three respectable actors, and their talent makes “We Own the Night” worth seeing.

“We Own the Night” follows the New York Police Department’s 1980s war against narcotics, aptly named “We Own the Night.” The movie tells the familiar tale of two sons on two very different teams: one heading the initiative to end drug use and the other a night club manager and avid drug user. Although the plot is similar to “The Departed” or any other police-versus-criminals drama, the acting makes it stand alone and the setting of smoky New York circa 1980 keeps the story interesting.

The majority of the action involves the night club Phoenix manages called “El Caribe,” meaning “The Caribbean.” The night club promotes the lifestyle that any visitor would hope to find where anything or anyone is yours for a price. Girls, drinks and drugs of choice are clearly available for patrons to use.

Phoenix lives the life that many would envy: no cares, sleeping all day, partying all night and spending most nights with Eva Mendes. His reputation is shown in all its glory with sequins, smoke, cocaine and alcohol.

Relationships drive the movie, particularly Duvall’s relationships with his “good” son, Wahlberg, and his prodigal son, Phoenix. Duvall is the typical single, police chief father, who eventually learns that both of his sons are admirable in their own rights.

By the end, the movie seems like an after-school special to teach children a typical message: “Drugs are bad, and the police are your friends.” But suspenseful twists, the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle and cinematic techniques allow the acting to carry the plot a little further.