END OF WATCH Review

"End Of Watch"

Written & Directed by: David Ayer

Release Date: September 21, 2012

Rated R for strong violence, some disturbing images, pervasive language including sexual references, and some drug use

Review by: Sean Kayden

     The dog days of summer may be upon us, but that doesn’t mean we have to settle for the summer leftovers at the Cineplex. End Of Watch, written and directed by David Ayer (Street Kings, Harsh Times) is a shocking, often gruesome portrait of sex, drugs, and money in the nasty streets of LA. The movie follows the lives of two police officers as one of them films their daily routines and adventures through LA for his film class. When the two police officers pull over someone for a routine traffic infraction and discover money, drugs, and guns, they unknowingly become a target for the Mexican cartel as they’ve interfered with their operations. What separates End Of Watch from previous police films is how the cops here are shown as the “good guys”, not shady, dishonest, and corrupt. Secondly, the entire film is shot in documentary-style, with handheld, steady cams attached to most of the actors. With this particular style of filmmaking, Ayer is able to bring a completely visceral and often surreal experience for the viewer. You feel as if you’re right there with them in a ride-along. Speaking of ride-alongs, both leads, Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena went through intense and grueling training for their roles. Both thespians took their roles seriously and wanted to provide authentic performances as their portrayal of two hardcore street cops. Films about cops over the last few years have suffered from clichés and tedious pacing like last year’s stiff “Rampart” and the dreadful 2011 Sundance dud, “The Son Of No One.” Even Ayer himself has had a few missteps within the world of police officers after writing his masterpiece, “Training Day.” However, this time around, Ayer has rebounded in making not only the best cop film arguably since “Training Day,” but also one of the best films of 2012 period.

     Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Penn are partners in the LAPD as well as best of friends. Their friendship is stronger than anything and they would take a bullet for one another. Pena plays Mike Zavala, a husband and new father, who seeps into his role effortlessly. Zavala is fierce, but loyal. He doesn’t back down to anything or anyone. He’s the guy you want by your side when things get heavy and out of control. At the same token, he provides many of the films comedic parts as well as arguably being the emotional core of the movie. While Gyllenhaal may be the most recognizable actor in the movie, Pena’s performance is his absolute finest. The long time supporting character is definitely due for some recognition and with this turnaround should be considered for a best supporting actor nod. Not to be outshined, Gyllenhaal, who’s a fine actor in his own right, gives what I call the performance of his life as officer Brian Taylor. He’s perfect in the role and the chemistry both he and Pena share on screen is phenomenal. These guys and their daily heroics enthrall you, even if the two guys never feel or consider themselves as being heroes. Between the action, chummy dialogue, and police procedures, there are the love stories. You have Zavala becoming a father to the woman he’s been with since high school. Taylor becomes involved with a woman named Janet, played by the lovely Anna Kendrick. These scenes show the men out of their uniforms, their strong bond to one another, and the normal lives they attempt to lead. While sometimes these external sequences may interrupt the flow of the action, they do supply the audience with the realism of their existence. If anything, it makes the film more authentic.

     In all honesty, there’s really nothing I can say negative about this film. Maybe the only quarrel is the central storyline being a bit light. The storytelling structure is unlike most films. Instead of some huge story arc, there are random, daily events happening for the partners. After I think about it, Ayer does do something different with putting much of the focus on the cops rather than the “bad guys.” You know the villains are ruthless. They may not have much of a personality besides being evil and to get invested in their lives would unnecessarily expand the film too much. There are a plethora of other films you can view to see the why bad people make bad choices in the first place. Anyway, without a doubt, the audience will be distressed by some of the images they’ll witness. The final scenes are brutal, haunting, and will knock the wind out of you. There is one curious decision Ayer makes in the closing scene. When you think the movie is about to conclude, there’s one more little anecdote to tell. While it may not appear entirely pertinent, it does, however, leave you a bit happier than you just were merely five minutes before. Ayer’s decision to do this is somewhat bold and unpredictable. But everything Ayer does is here is bold and unpredictable. End of Watch is the real deal and arguably the first great American film of 2012.

Grade: 4.5 out of 5