It's certainly crudely made, however, with Eddie Albert overplaying by even the broadest standards, and Aldrich cutting to him for reaction shots that have all the visual interest of stones hitting one on the head.

Full Review | Sep 25, 2023

An outstanding action drama, combining the brutish excitement of football competition with the brutalities of contemporary prison life.

Full Review | Aug 4, 2008

What saves it, aside from good performances by Burt Reynolds and a thundering herd of supporting grotesques, is, of all things, a tough, tiny nut of valid social criticism.

Full Review | Aug 4, 2008

Very exciting, very witty, and elevated above its action-movie status by Aldrich's deliberate references to Nixon in Albert's characterisation of the warden.

Full Review | Feb 9, 2006

Though The Yard is a terrible picture, I'll admit to having unwillingly enjoyed some of the football practice and parts of the final game -- even though it's much too long.

Full Review | Original Score: 1.5/5 | May 9, 2005

Aldrich's film is most alive during the team recruitment scenes.

Full Review | Original Score: B+ | May 4, 2005

The lengthy football game is one of the most enjoyable sporting events ever put on film.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jan 8, 2002