End of Watch (2012) User Reviews

Well handled and Hard hitting

[gt-thereelword · 9/10 · 14 November 2012]

It's not hard to tell that David Ayer grew up on the mean streets of South Central, Los Angeles. Training Day, The Fast and the Furious, Dark Blue and S.W.A.T. all showcase his passion for writing screenplays about these streets and the role that police officers play in them. His two films as director (Harsh Times and Street Kings) showed that he could also direct hard hitting dramas depicting the underbelly of the L.A. and the police force. End Of Watch marks Ayer's second film as both writer and director.

Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña star as a two young officers in the Los Angeles Police Department. Using the "home footage" format of filmmaking, End Of Watch shows us the ups and downs of these two young officers as they work, love and fight in the streets of Los Angeles.

In terms of subject matter this film doesn't cover anything really different. Its about cops dealing with their issues at home and on the job. This topic has been covered countless times but what makes End Of Watch different – and better – then many of its predecessors is that it holds realism as its number one priority. This is one of the most realistic portrayals of police life ever put to celluloid. The day to day lives of these two best friends are shown in a format that is both convincing and horrifying. It doesn't flinch away when showing the disturbing aspects of this high pressure career.

Using everyday video sources (chest mounted cameras, vehicle cameras, P.O.V angels, aerial shots from police choppers) definitely gives the film an unprecedented level of proximity to cops in the line of duty. Unfortunately, this format doesn't always work. Some chaotic scenes become a little bit confusing when the camera is constantly changing from first person shots to third person angles. But for the most-part it works well.

Gyllenhaal and Peña provide us with two highly believable characters and their chemistry is palpable. Whether they're talking about the women in their lives or having a friendly argument about racial stereotypes, these two actors ensure that we stick with their characters through every step of the way. Gyllenhaal continues to solidify himself as one of the best actors around and Peña delivers one of his best performances to date.

It's got a great script and a focused story that is handled confidently and told well. David Ayer has crafted an intense, hard hitting drama that benefits from the two excellent performances by the two leads.

Chemistry is key

[cardsrock · 8/10 · 29 February 2020]

Most cop movies live or die by the chemistry between the leads. End of Watch features excellent chemistry between Gyllenhaal and Pena, which elevates the film a notch above the typical cop drama. The found-footage style of filmmaking works pretty well for police movies in that it adds a grittiness necessary to realistically represent the story. There are plenty of tense moments and thrilling sequences to satisfy any action junkie, but the moments focusing on the characters and their lives is where End of Watch shines. The point of this film is to portray a realistic life as a police officer in the LA ghetto and the film definitely succeeds in that regard.

Amazing dichotomy of emotions

[mattyp083 · 9/10 · 28 August 2012]

Jake and Michael have the most amazing on-screen chemistry that makes the viewers believe they're truly best friends and police partners. The way the script was written allowed David Ayer to elicit an incredible range of emotion from the viewers. It's hilariously funny during car scenes between Jake and Michael, playing on relatable awkward topics of sex, dating, and other things best friends would joke about, yet incredibly serious, showing just how intense and dangerous police officers' jobs in South Central LA can be. The use of Jake's hand-held camera gives a Paranormal Activity feeling (without the headache) that adds to the "realness" of the film. I highly recommend this film and challenge anyone to not be completely moved by the end of it.

Likable, believable characters make this a realistically funny, intense and emotionally gripping cop movie.

[nick_white_5 · 8/10 · 10 September 2012]

When I actually sit down and think about it, there aren't many good movies about your average, every day police officer. There are a couple notable television series', like "Hill Street Blues" and the now dated but oddly fascinating reality series "Cops", but on film, these guys don't get a lot of luck. I guess everyone would rather see movies about undercover officers or detectives. Well for anyone like me who's been waiting for it, here it is. End Of Watch, an excellent take on the genre. It may not be perfect, but it's unique and shows the day to day life more effectively than most if any cop movies I've seen, and as such I think it will one day be essential viewing for fans of the genre.

In the film we meet Brian Taylor, an ex-marine working as a police officer while he works his way through law school. He also just so happens to be taking a class in filmmaking and is filming his experiences to make a documentary for said class, and this is where we get much of our view into the film from. Featured frequently in the film is his partner Mike, often called Z. After stumbling upon a drug-lord at a routine traffic stop, they quickly fall into trouble with the cartel and have to fight their way through it while still trying to figure out where it's all coming from.

The great thing about this mockumentary/found footage style isn't so much the way it's able to present the action of being a cop realistically (which it does but so do normally shot movies), but it better gives us an understanding of what happens inbetween the action. Being a fly on the wall in the various dull, inappropriate, and often times hilarious conversations the two have when patrolling brings the film a much needed dose of comic relief, but the kind that never feels forced. It's all set up naturally. This really gives a chance for stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena to shine as well as they fit so naturally into these characters, often sounding unscripted whether or not they are. They play them as regular guys instead of complex characters which may make them a little less compelling, but all the more fun to watch.

The film also mixes in a variety of other video sources from the dashboard cams of the police cruisers to security cameras. This really benefits the style as a whole. 99% of the time, using the self-shot, found footage for an entire film can come off as gimmicky and unnecessary, but by using a variety of sources the director is able to keep the realistic tone consistent while downplaying the gimmick idea and instead choosing to use Brian's self shot footage and monologues to the camera only when they prove most effective to the story.

Along the way the film is also interspersed with subplots of Brian meeting his new girl Janet, played by Anna Kendrick who makes a memorable impression despite her little screen time, as well as Z and his wife having a baby. While I find it hard to really complain about Anna Kendrick (she's just so damn cute! And she looked stunning on stage introducing the film), these subplots, while important for character development, are thrown in a little too randomly throughout and mess with the overall flow of the film. It's not a huge complaint as I've seen it done worse in other movies, but it could've been solved with some tighter editing. But who knows, this was the premiere I saw, studios still often tweak movies before wide-release.

Fortunately for writer/director David Ayer, this is really the only complaint I have about the film. The entire movie is fairly well written. I did find the dialogue of a lot of the street thugs to be cliché and racially stereotypical, but the things Brian and Z say are priceless throughout and help you deal with a lot of the more serious scenes, and there are quite a few of them. For as entertaining and light-hearted as it is at times, End Of Watch has many dark, brutally violent, and emotionally impacting scenes that are not for the feint of heart. They do ultimately seem necessary though as the film needs action to keep it going, and to create the realistic document of day to day police life it's trying to create, which does get pretty brutal sometimes despite the mostly mundane times in between. The important thing though is that the film is able to balance all of these moments so well.

David Ayer has dedicated what seems to be his whole career to police movies. Most are mediocre to bad (Street Kings), some are genre classics (Training Day), but I think End Of Watch is by far his finest. It easily has the most likable characters, and as such the most emotional involvement for the audience, which thus creates the most tension in the high risk, action scenes. It has the most believable story of any of his movies, or most cop movies for that matter, and lastly it just told in an interesting way. Neither the cop story, found footage action or fly on the wall comedy genres are anything new, but End of Watch takes old ideas and fits them together to make something interesting.

In conclusion, it's tough to go wrong with End Of Watch if you're a fan of the genre. Even if you're not particularly fond of cop movies, I'd still recommend it. It's a highly entertaining, tension filled ride of a movie. It may not be as deep as some other movies coming out now, but it really brings you into another world well. It's well written, well directed, well acted, and was well enjoyed by the whole crowd. Check it out.

Found footage's finest so far - an intense cop thriller that feels real

[Movie_Muse_Reviews · 9/10 · 26 February 2013]

If I were to pitch you a movie about two police officers who are partners on patrol in South Central Los Angeles, one of your first inclinations might be "not another buddy copy comedy." While "End of Watch" is often funny, the newest film from "Training Day" writer David Ayer, is no comedy.

Ayer, who spent a lot of time in South Central, takes the found footage approach to his latest film featuring the LAPD in the spirit of modern trends and perhaps the show "Cops."

It's hard to tell if Ayer's exaggerating, but a lot of dangerous stuff happens to Taylor (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Zavala (Michael Pena) despite being beat cops. So much so that they get involved with the wrong Mexican gang, and their attempts to go above and beyond to protect and serve put them in the line of fire.

Gyllenhaal and Pena have incredible chemistry as two cops who are best friends as well as partners. They epitomize the modern "bromance" in a number of ways, joking around, giving each other a hard time, offering love/dating advice with hyper-masculine sarcasm, etc. Ayer takes time to show these men out of their blues frequently to humanize them in a critical way. On the job, they are often cocky, proud and reckless, pushing the line of appropriate police behavior and protocol. They jump back and forth between making laudable, responsible choices and borderline police brutality.

The portrait that this paints of law enforcement feels so much more authentic than we're normally treated to in cop films and police procedurals on television. They are heroes and good, honorable men, but that doesn't make them beacons of morality. No matter how much you believe in the quickly escalating plot of "End of Watch," there's no disagreement to be had over the authenticity of the characters and the environment they operate in.

Although we do get independent "episodes" in which Taylor and Zavala respond to calls and find more than they bargained for, there's a through-line involving a powerful Mexican drug cartel and the gang that enforces it. Ayer glamorizes these thugs a little bit, but it makes them formidable villains in the story. As things come to a boil, the realism of the film really unravels in favor of a more compelling, heart-pounding finale.

Ayer takes certain liberties with the found footage style as well. The premise involves Taylor filming everything for a school project or something. He has a hand-held camera but also cameras positioned in the squad car, and ones that clip onto their uniforms. The gangs also carry cameras around to film their violent escapades. At times, however, we can't tell who is supposed to be holding the camera — like when Taylor starts making out with his girlfriend, Janet (Anna Kendrick). Neither is holding the camera, so that's a bit strange.

Still, that filmmaking style does more good than harm to the film. Say what you will about the found footage trend, but this is an appropriate example that really works. The extra layer of realism and authenticity that the technique gives to a film really goes miles in favor of "End of Watch."

Humor is an unexpected benefit of this film as well. Michael Pena has failed to be funny in films including "Tower Heist" and "30 Minutes or Less," but he succeeds in territory that blends it with the dramatic in this very organic way. It would be impressive if most of the dialogue in this film, at least between him and Gyllenhaal, weren't improvised given how natural it flows.

It sounds like a stretch to consider this one of the better acted films of the year, but Gyllenhaal and Pena should've been considered for awards contention. The nature of found footage detracts from what we tend to associate with/look for in an Oscar-worthy performance. We expect authenticity from found footage and only comment when it goes poorly, not when it's done exceptionally well. Having seen enough films made in the found footage style, no other two actors have done better in this genre.

"End of Watch" offers an intense look at the life of L.A.'s finest and a harrowing portrait of life in the barrios and gang-ridden parts of L.A. Although exaggerated at crucial points, it shows what can happen when officers try and step out of their clearance level. At the least, it's one of the best films found footage has given us to date.

~Steven C

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Finally, a good movie about good cops.

[The_Film_Cricket · 23 September 2012]

It is sort of a distressing trend that most police movies recently have featured cops who are rotten to the core. Recently, the movies have been wallowing in stories about dirty cops with plots featuring immoral men who use their badge as leverage to steal drugs and money and to shake down young kids just to instill in them the fear of God. Whatever happened to the good old days when a cop's job was to serve and protect? One of the reasons that David Ayer's "End of Watch" is so refreshing is because it moves away from all of that. Here is a movie that not only features the ins and outs of police work but it also allows us to get to know the characters to the degree that we actually care about them.

"End of Watch" is a movie about two police officers who operate as far inside the limits of their profession as their egos will let them. They are young, full of testosterone and young boy enthusiasm. Occasionally they step over the line to get the job done, but not so far that it risks their jobs. At one point they run into a burning house to rescue a woman's children when the fire department is taking too long to respond. By the book, this is a stupid move, but they are given medals for their valor.

The cops are Brian Taylor (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Mike Zavala (Michael Peña), LAPD street cops who are such close friends that they are almost brothers. In between calls they talk intimately about their lives and their plans. That's refreshing when you consider that most cops in the movies just talk about cop stuff. What these two have to say sounds like real speech, not boilerplate nonsense. Mike is a married man who is about to be a father. He joined the police department at the urging of his wife Gabby (Natalie Martinez) because it was an easy way to make a good living without a formal education. Brian has a girlfriend Janet (Anna Kendrick) and is dancing around the idea of asking her to be his wife. For most of the movie, he is using a video camera against department policy to film the day to day life of an L.A. cop for a class that he is taking.

Their behavior on the job is often on the level of frat boys, but they take their job with a degree of seriousness. As the movie opens they find themselves being transferred to patrol the dangerous barrio neighborhood of South Central Los Angeles. Most of the crime here involves weapons, drugs and a lot of other activities that surprise them as much as they surprise us. This is an insular world that they don't really know, despite the fact that Mike is Hispanic. This is a place with a value system so far from normal that after an encounter that reveals a human trafficking operation, a shell-shocked Brian admits that he didn't even know that this kind of thing was taking place in The United States.

One day they pull over a van driven by a gang banger who is in possession of a bejeweled handgun and an automatic machine gun that appears to be made of solid gold. He is also carrying a pot of beans that contains lots of bundles of cash wrapped in plastic. This case opens up a very unfortunate series of events as Mike and Brian slowly begin to realize that they are in the midst of a viper's nest of a Mexican Cartel that is operating in this very neighborhood.

Their nosing around gets them noticed by the dealers to the degree that the cartel is in danger of being exposed. What is interesting is that the movie never allows Mike or Brian to completely understand what they are up against. We know things that they don't, and that makes the drama more intense as the danger closes in. They are so wet behind the ear that they don't even know how much trouble they are in when they are warned by the Feds and by street thugs. The third act of the movie is a violent showdown in which they find themselves pinned down in an apartment building by members of the cartel. What elevates this scene is that we know what is at stake and where everyone is in relation to each other during the shootouts. This isn't just a series of random shootouts with lots of editing. There's some logic to the action, and it's exciting If there is a weakness to the film it is that Brian and Mike never seem to have an ordinary call. All of their encounters lead to a major revelation. It is possible that no two cops in the world ever go through what these two experience in the course of a few days. There are no drunk drivers, no domestic disputes, no routine traffic stops. A few scenes like that may have given the story a bit little more reality.

That's a minor issue. What we have here is a good police thriller that is well acted and well thought out. Jake Gyllenhaal is very good in a role that allows him to pull back his usual intensity. Yet, the better performance comes from Michael Peña what gives a wonderful, natural performance. He has been good before in movies like "Crash" and "World Trade Center", but here he's a real discovery. He and Gyllenhaal, and all of the supporting characters have a lot of good material to work with here. If you see this movie consider the very last scene and ask yourself how many action movies would dedicate their time to a scene like that, or even created characters that would be worth it.

***1/2 (out of four)

Highly realistic documentary-style cop drama

[adamonIMDb · 7/10 · 14 July 2018]

Shot documentary style, 'End of Watch' is a fascinating and insightful police drama. The film benefits from two brilliant lead performances from Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña, who bring energy and personality to their roles as officers Taylor & Zavala. 'What the film lacks in term of plot development it more than makes up for in entertainment value, with some intense action scenes, genuinely funny moments and a great script.

Part of the reason the ending is so hard-hitting is because it's easy for the audience to build a connection with the two officers. They are both realistic and relatable characters and, by the time the end of the film comes about, it feels like you know them personally. 'End of Watch' is a great film, both an intense action drama and a realistic and fascinating insight into daily life of a police officer.

Best Cop Movie Ever...

[kerron_maitland · 9/10 · 30 November 2012]

This is hands down the best cop movie i have ever seen, nothing depicted here is new, gangs, money, drugs, torture, cops, death, etc...it is the way that its depicted that makes it stand out, the last time that these issues were well shown was in SHIELD. Jake gives his best performance yet, he really does stand out all the way till the end him and his partner play amazing cops. You really feel the intensity and reality of thee life of a cop shown through Jake's recordings, its just amazing how it all feels so real...you will not regret watching this film if you can handle it that is... This movie will keep you glued to the seat till the very end. End of watch was a great watch.

Started off well but faded

[tr91 · 6/10 · 12 August 2013]

This film started off well but started to fade after about 45 minutes. The two main characters, Brian Taylor and Mike Zavala where portrayed very well by Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña respectively. The chemistry between the two was really good and there was a few laughs. Overall they done a great job but just the film in general faded out for me.

The plot seemed like a good idea and the idea of it being shot documentary style was unique. After a while the shaky camera really started to get on my nerves and I realised this idea was a bit silly after all. Overall it was just a bit of a disappointment. It's one of them films that I can appreciate why some people love it, but also why some people hate it. It was decent but not as good as I expected.

6/10

Amazing movie! MUST WATCH

[z_arash · 9/10 · 8 May 2012]

If you want to be at the edge of your seat the entire movie you should definitely watch this. I went to a screening a long time ago so the scenes may have changed a bit and maybe made a bit easier on the viewer but the version we saw was absolutely AMAZING movie. The story grips you all along and drags you without giving you a moment to look away from the screen. If you like intense movies like Crash, Stuck or Drive then this is for you.

Everyone applauded after the movie finished at the screening. The story is just so real and so intense that makes your hair stand straight.

The good thing is that from the first second you get into the movie until the very end. Its a story of love and intense action combined that is real not superficial. Its something that could be happening right now in your neighborhood.

Excellent Film, Awful Camera Work

[claudio_carvalho · 7/10 · 20 March 2016]

The efficient LAPD Police Officers Brian Taylor (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Mike Zavala (Michael Peña) are partners and best friends. Mike is married with Gabby (Natalie Martinez), who is pregnant, and Brian is having a serious love affair with Janet (Anna Kendrick). Brian has the intention of making a movie and is using a handy cam to film his daily work with his partner, under the protest of his colleague Van Hauser (David Harbour). After killing a powerful gangster in self-defense, they are transferred by Sarge (Frank Grillo) to South Central Los Angeles where there is a war between black and Mexican gangs. When Mike and Brian arrest a gangster and find a great load of drugs and people involved in human-trafficking, they are sentenced to death by the Cartel and hunted down by a Mexican gang. What will happen to them?

"End of Watch" is an excellent film, showing the story of two charismatic police officers patrolling the streets of South Central Los Angeles in their daily work and personal lives, since they are best friends. Despite the great storyline, the execution uses the annoying "found footage" cheap style, maybe with the intention of giving the idea of documentary using an awful camera work. The film is realistic and the conclusion is heartbreaking. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Marcados para Morrer" ("Marked to Die")

Police drama for the Social Media Generation

[kosmasp · 9/10 · 5 July 2013]

The script is so well written, it almost hurts. Almost because it is really just good! And I loved the fact, that it got recognized in America too (at the Box office, it did open at Number 1). While I won't go into the story, the casting of Jake and his partner couldn't have been better. It feels like the guys know each other their whole life. Their interactions with social media and "real" life feel ... well real. Nothing in this movie feels like it is staged for entertainment purposes nor does the dialogue sound fake.

I did write drama, but there is also quite a bit of action in this one. The hand-held approach to some of the scenes does not take anything away from them, it actually heightens the experience most of the time. Of course as an Anna Kendrick fan, I would've loved to see more of her in the movie, but it does belong to our two "heroes" and what they are going through. It's nice to see a movie that keeps in touch with current events, have the courage and the quality to bring that "cop" experience on screen

It's a good recruitment film at best

[scottmoses · 7/10 · 23 September 2012]

Overall, the movie was about a relationship that is formed by two officers who work in the most demanding areas of police work. I liked the synergy between Pena and Gyllenhaal, their banter was genuine and real, and I believed that these are the conversations two officers have in a car on a day to day basis. Beyond that, the film lacked depth, a viable story, the use of hand-held cameras may leave some film goers queasy.

The dialogue of the Latino gangsters was ridiculous, and while I believe they probably do talk like that, it made for following the story almost nauseating.

I liked that it showed the police as heroes rushing into a burning house, that seeing the lowest parts of humanity on a daily basis takes its toll on a person (this could have been a deeper focus of the movie) and sometimes people who have to make decisions in an instant and override their emotions for the sake of justice (he could have blown that fat guy away, he should have, but didn't).

What I guess this movie conveys at its core, is that these men and women who put their lives on the line each and every day are people too, with wives, husbands and children, just like the people they are there to serve and protect.

Police routine

[valeriikashchuk · 5/10 · 23 June 2022]

Being police officer, no matter how many plans do you have on your life, there will be one day when you might be shot. David Ayer has revealed this problem, but unfortunately only particularly. Camera work is also leaves much to be desired.

Raw...Real & Gutsy

[james1844 · 8/10 · 23 September 2012]

This was a real unique journey in drama. A mix of studio camera and innovative character cameras interwoven with the story. Casting brought two very strong actors together and their chemistry was right on target. The plot was simple but the ingredient that put this film over the top was realism and believability. Yes it is very raw and if I got a dollar for every "F-bomb" I could by a home in Malibu for sure. Realism is the main course and this film would not lose it's true identity. I found what really put this movie in the must see category is that ...One minute your laughing and the next you're crying. There are very few films that can achieve this element with this level of quality. This is, without a doubt, one of the very best films of the year.

Gyllenhaal and Peña's chemistry make every other buddy cop movies look bogus by comparison

[Top_Dawg_Critic · 9/10 · 1 December 2020]

This is by far Gyllenhaal and Peña's best award-worthy performances. At times I forget I was watching a movie; it felt more like I was seeing live footage from a ride-along cameraman. Wow. This is one of the most realistic films I've ever seen and aside from Gyllenhaal and Peña's perfect performances, mad props and respect to writer, producer and director David Ayer for capturing the very essence or real life policing etc. I did want more story - maybe retaliation, a stronger narrative or better ending, or even a part 2. Aside from that, this is superior filmmaking with absolutely very convincing and perfect performances. It's a well deserved 9/10 from me.

Fresh Take on the Cop-Buddy Movie

[Michael_Elliott · 24 September 2012]

End of Watch (2012)

*** 1/2 (out of 4)

Excellent updating of the buddy-cop movie has two men (Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Pena) working the dangerous section of Los Angeles where a Mexican drug lord puts a hit out on their lives after they bust up a major crime scene. END OF WATCH comes from writer-director David Ayer who does an extremely good job at re-doing a genre that has pretty much been done to death over the past couple decades. Like many horror films that got watered down, they quickly turned over to the "found footage" genre and this managed to put some new life in familiar stories. The same is true here and while it's not really a found footage picture, one subplot has the Gyllenhaal character in a film school where he puts some cameras on himself and his partner so that they can capture live video. Another technique used is simply letting us see the video footage from the car's camera and this here really puts you right on the front line and makes you feel like you're in the car and along for the ride. END OF WATCH works so well because it really does make you feel as if you're riding along with these guys and you really get a great idea of what a partnership between these men is. The film does a very good job at building up suspense and especially during the finale, which will have you on the edge of your seat. Gyllenhaal turns in another respectable performance as does Pena. It's almost hard calling them performances because the way the film is shot it seems more raw, live video instead of something with a camera crew and various takes. You really do feel as if you're watching real footage and I think the greatness of the two performances come from how they act and re-act towards the situations, places and their moods. Natalie Martinez, Anna Kendrick and James FitzSimons also stand out. I'm sure many people see this as yet another cop movie and they might stay away but it would really be their loss. I'm not going to say this is a masterpiece but it's a very effective movie that's about as raw as they get.

Disappointed? Hands Up.

[jojifrey · 6/10 · 2 November 2012]

Nice directing.

Great acting by Michael Pena.

Interesting information about Bronx area in LA.

There are several 'miss' in the movie though: - the camera angles... seriously, this hand-held thing becomes all frequent and disturbing in most parts - didn't know whose camera being used for which scene in the movie (first I thought it was only Brian's camera, then the cartel also has camera, and when Brian and Janet made love, who was shooting them?)

• this is a famous question but: why the heck did the police took so long to help their officers?

The overall movie though, disappointing. Too much expose on the wedding thing but too short about the climax action.

Not your run of the mill LAPD movies

[thaigold · 8/10 · 28 November 2012]

Unlike many of the current crop of macho cop dramas, End of Watch plays mainly to the grit of the daily challenges of patrolling the mean streets of South Central LA in the "Shootin' Newton" division. Unlike the stunning LA Confidential, with a historical story line, End of Watch is done in the cinema ver'ite' style - in a realistic real cops on duty in the LA war zone frame. The casting in this movie is picture perfect, with each actor giving in depth performances.The story line brings the Mexican / US drug problem into crystal clarity. Initially, the story fails to coalesce, and the video cam work is a bit disjointed and over done at the outset, but once you settle in to cinematic method, the film gets a hold on you. Definitely a movie for any law enforcement aficionados collection.

Less interesting for non-US-residents

[jah-uittenbogaard · 6/10 · 29 October 2012]

The film feels like one protracted episode of a real-life police-series, like "Cops", a story-line is close to absent. You just move from one police-intervention to the other. The fact that both police-officers accidentally collide with the interests of a Mexican drug-cartel, seems to play a minor role and the tension that it causes is not built up throughout the film. The story is really about how two men can bond when they put their lives on the line together on a daily basis. So what. I've honestly seen quite a few films who did this job better. The clue is, I think, that it is not just about two men bonding, it is about a Caucasian Anglo-Saxon and a Mexican bonding. Did the filmmakers, and Jack Gyllenhaal and Anna Kendrick in specific, want to make a social statement:" Mexicans are no different from 'us', they can be heroes ánd crooks, just like us"? The social or "racial" issue (if it is one) is lost on non-US-residents. Here it just isn't an issue. This fact makes the film a lot less interesting to watch: it is time nicely spent, but the film won't stick in your mind.

The camera-work though deserves a compliment: the hand-held cameras enhance your involvement in the action. It sometimes makes you feel that you are part of the action. Pity though that the reason for this, an art-project for officer Brian Taylor, is never picked up in the film. On top of that, the reason why the "villains" would want to film their action with a hand-held, remains a total mystery throughout the film.

Police Point of View

[billygoat1071 · 8/10 · 5 October 2012]

End of Watch seems to be another film that uses the found-footage style, but once again it's not a successful try. However, it still gets what it wants by being a true to life buddy cop film with a ridiculous amount of intensity. End of Watch looks pretty simple as a crime thriller, but everything is actually brilliant. The crimes are grim and the action is a load of thrills. But what really makes this film so appealing is the chemistry between Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña. Their bromantic moments keeps the entire film so charming. The rest of End of Watch is engaging and interestingly gripping.

The story is about the lives of the lead pair. As these police officers patrol around the streets, they spend their time talking and joking around until they see something going on. Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña brings it to life. Their chemistry is the magic of this film. When it gets serious it becomes really intense, makes you wish both of them are safe on their dangerous jobs. The common elements of cop movies are explosions and stylish gunfights, but this film is all about tension and momentum.

The found-footage style is as messy as what the recent found-footage film, Chronicle, did. Which falls into being unnecessary. It sometimes gets shots that aren't filmed on any hand-held cameras. The camera-work is still well shot and serves a different experience, but it could have been something like what action directors, Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor(strangely has the same name of the main character), do. Shaking the camera ridiculously without calling it a found-footage film. If you ignore the style, it would be cool. The quality of the film is being realistic and there it succeeds. They left the impossibly cool police movie stuff behind and instead make them simply scrutinize, arrest, and watch the streets.

End of Watch doesn't have much of a concept but to depict the credible lives of these hero cops. While the lead stars shine on their beautiful down-to-earth bromance, there's a grim reality about to affect their lives thus makes this an indeed so compelling film. Still, it could have been a Crank like film than a found-footage. The crazy cam is a great effect, but not the characters holding the camera. Aside from that, it's a top notch thriller that is easy enough to enjoy. Worth a ride and recommended.

Totally Unoriginal

[dansview · 6/10 · 26 July 2016]

Hey, let's make a movie about a cocky average-sized white male cop who patrols the streets of South Central with a smirk on his face. Throw in the obligatory Hispanic stereotype as a partner and some cardboard gangsters. Oh wait a minute. Someone already did that in the 80's. It was called "Colors." Except that one had an old guy in place of the Mexican guy.

In this one, we are never told why the white guy is a cop, nor what is his philosophy of life. If he's so "alpha," does he have some kind of code to espouse? Who is his family and where is he from?

There is not a single cop depicted in this one who shares with the audience a belief in God, or any kind of old-school philosophy. Are we to believe that every uniformed cop is a foul-mouthed low-life? At least the old guy in Colors was interesting.

Are we to believe that all uniformed cops are alpha-dogs who relish a good fight and swear incessantly? There must be other types. They do show one female who is not macho, but she doesn't do well.

It would have been interesting to see an ex-athlete who sees the daily patrol as a contest requiring courage and endurance. Or perhaps a Christian who sees mankind as sinful but deserving a benefit of the doubt from time to time.

Do all gangsters really indulge in clichéd machismo and posturing? Actually a lot do probably. But some are just sociopaths who don't think about it one way or the other.

The brother/buddy concept was just too mushy for me and too clichéd. How many times have we seen this? There must be partners who don't feel that, but still have each other's back.

I could have done without the filming gimmick. Just show me their day without one of them supposedly taking footage for a class.

The violence was gritty and seemed real. If you like that sort of thing, you will like it here. Some reviewers said that there was no conflict here or point to it. I agree, but in some ways that made it a deeper commentary on the pointlessness of life. These guys live, they talk like low-lives, they shoot up some gangsters, and they wind up in deep trouble, as you may expect. Life's a bitch.

Best Cop Movie Of All Time!

[isantistao · 10/10 · 14 June 2020]

I love cop movies. And I try to watch all of them. And I am not exaggerating when I say that this is the best cop movie of all time. For the following reasons:

The film making, directing, and production are quite exceptional. And you have some really great artistic actors too.

It is in the "found footage" style, made to look as if it were filmed with camcorders hand held by the people in the movie, and other random security cams and such, which makes it feel so real and authentic, so unlike most action movies, this one really sucks you into the reality they are trying to paint for you. Everything about it is very believable and realistic unlike most action movies which are quite the opposite. And also unlike most police movies, this movie will actually give you a good idea of what it is like being a police officer in bad areas, and makes you really appreciate everything they do for us all, which most cop movies do not.

The characters all seem like normal people. The two main characters are not "action hero's" or anything. They seem like average joe's. They are relatable. Likable. And yet as police officers they are called into many situations in which they have to step up to the plate and do heroic things which are so inspiring.

It is a really great story that is not only compelling but climactic and will leave you stunned afterwards wishing it hadn't ended, wanting more, looking forward to watching it again soon. This is one of the only movies out there that I keep watching over and over and over again and it never gets old. In fact I think I enjoy it more every time I see it.

This movie is not just about action, but drama. It is highly emotional and will make you cry more than just about any movie out there. It is one of the most moving films I have ever seen.

This movie has several very intense moments that will make your adrenaline pump and give you a peak experience like few movies out there do, but is what we are really watching action films for. This movie does that the best and it is a real rush.

So if you love action films, especially cop films, this is an absolute must see. But I also think this is just a film everyone should see because of how artistically well done it is, how moving it is, and how it shows just what our under appreciated law enforcement do for us all, and why we should appreciate them more. So watch it!

Why all the hype!? - SAVE your $, this one is a renter...

[mhgl-946-146890 · 6/10 · 1 October 2012]

So my buddy, Jud, says he wants to go see a movie, End of Watch. I suggest the Batman flick, or even Nemo 3D, but as he describes 'Mexican drug gangstas Vs cops,' 'good actors,' 'hype gang shootouts,' I am persuaded to agree.

As soon as the movie starts, I'm jabbing Jud in the stomach with right hooks.

Initial Impression: My moral sinks as I see that it's another 'home video style' movie. What is it with this Blair Witch, Cloverfield trend? I don't want movies to be filmed crappier. And, I guess that is not a huge deal, but it creates a detachment of doubt in my immersion as the plot struggles to incorporate why this one dude happens to be carrying a camera everywhere, how he happens to film everything awesome that happens. Especially, in this film, in which the cop raids houses and engages in battles, all the while filming it. I think at one point, the director said 'screw it' and just started filming third person, but with a crappy lens... And by the way, if one of my friends just started filming everything for weeks on end, I would punch him in the balls.

The plot: Two cops drive around in their cruiser, talking about their day and stuff. They like to talk about their kids, and girlfriends, and wives. A lot. On occasion, there is some random banter between the cops, and you get to chuckle along with the rest of the tools in the audience, as you get to share in police banter - just like one of the boys, cool! (eyes roll) Once in a while, the cops get a call from dispatch, and I think that something cool might happen. I keep thinking that the plot will turn hardcore, once the characters are established; you know, like a high-brow action movie... But no, they get into a little bit of action, but nothing more hardcore than you would see on Law and Order. And then the cops go back to talking, oh!, more character development... I think: Something crazy is definitely going to step this movie up soon! But no, I learn more about these cops' wives. Filmed crappy.

My Bias: I'm not exactly a cop lover, and to borrow from Cypress Hill, I'm not saying that I 'wanna drop dem cops trying' to snatch my crops,'

but I also don't wanna drive 20mins, and pay 20 bucks, so I can watch two bi-curious cops share their feelings for 2 hours. The movie is more like Brokeback Mountain for people who love cops, rather than a solid action drama.

One cool scene happens. But rent this movie.

Good premise and acting, but ultimately bogged down

[TheSeaLion · 5/10 · 1 October 2014]

"End of Watch" is a police drama film written and directed by David Ayer, who has worked on a number of police-related movies in the past as either the writer, director, or both, including "S.W.A.T" and "Street Kings". The film stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena as two LAPD officers and focuses on their day-to-day work as police officers and their personal lives.

The film does not seem to know what it is in its method of filming. There are numerous times when the scene is shown through a multitude of different cameras, but then there are scenes where the angle would be impossible for there to be a camera. A scene I will use as an example is when the gang members are in their car. One gang member has a camera and is filming them, which we see the scene unfold through. However, when a character talks to them and the camera shows the gang member holding the video camera, there are no cameras in the car that would have gotten that video. The point I am making is that the film jumps between found-footage and then regular filming at random points in scenes, which gets frustrating.

The dialog in this movie has been praised by many, and while I can understand why so many people thought it was great, I thought at best it was mediocre. A lot of the street talk was cliché and stereotypical, as was the banter between the police officers, not Gyllenhaal and Pena, felt like it came from someone who didn't know how people joked around with one another. This is also one of only three movies, the other two being the 2005 "Assault on Precinct 13" and the recent movie "Sex Tape" where I have to complain about the swearing in the dialog. Now, I have no problem with swearing, but in this movie, I felt like it got worked into every other sentence because it was supposed to make the dialog feel more realistic. Now, to Ayer's credit, there are some scenes with very good use of dialog, especially at the funeral scene and the last scene of the movie. The single line used during the funeral said everything that needed to be said without going overboard, and the last scene of the movie felt like one person telling a funny story.

One thing I will give credit for was the acting in this movie. Gyllenhaal and Pena had very good chemistry and worked off of each other well. Anna Kendrick also did a very good job. I'm actually surprised none of these actors were nominated for Academy Awards for their work in this movie.

Even with the acting, though, the film is still bogged down with problems, deriving heavily from the camera work and dialog. The idea of following around two officers in their day-to-day lives including their police work and personal lives is an interesting idea, and I think it could be pulled off with a better script and less of the found- footage aspect of the camera work.