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.

| Sep 25, 2023

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

| 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.

| 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.

| 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.

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

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

| Original Score: B+ | May 4, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jun 12, 2003

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

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