Film Review: End of Watch

Directed by: David Ayer. Stars: Jake Gyllenhall, Michael Pena, America Ferrera, Anna Kendrick. Written by David Ayer. Released: September 2012

I’m fully aware this isn't a new release, but I didn't get the chance to see it when it was in theatres. It received critical and audience buzz during TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) back in September, and I finally watched it now that it has been released for home viewing.

Which reminds me...remember the time during TIFF when I was six feet away from Jake Gyllenhall? 

No? I do.

Okay that was a little mean, I am sorry.

I didn't know much besides the basic plot and was pleasantly surprised by not only how much I enjoyed the film,  but got invested with the characters and the twists and turns the film took as well.

The film follows two LAPD cops (specifically South Central LA) and is shot in and as a (quasi) documentary style. Officer Brian Taylor (Gyllenhaal) is creating his own short documentary film about being a cop for a school project, (an elective while in law school). There is there is whole "film within a film" tone throughout. Unknowingly they make a discovery one day during a routine traffic stop that ends up making them the target for the local Mexican drug cartels.

I don’t want to say more than that about the plot, in my opinion it is best to not know too much about the film and just go for the ride along.

The heart of film and story is the friendship between Brian and Mike. Despite all the cop action, drugs and to a lesser extent, themes about poverty, racism and even immigration, it is a film about friendship that goes beyond being partners on the force. We see how close they are and their lives outside of work. I’m no expert, but it seems a pretty realistic approach and portrayal of what it is like and what it means to be part of the LAPD, or any police force.

The performances and chemistry between Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena stand out the most and the key to making this more than just a regular cop film. You end up invested and care for these characters. They feel like people you may know yourself. It helps with the emotional and climatic ending. Jake Gyllenhaal spent time with LAPD officers and ride alongs as part of his research in developing his character and shaping his performance, and it pays off. He is also credited as one of the producers as well. Michael Pena is just as strong and charismatic and plays well against Gyllenhaal. 

The women behind the men (Anna Kendrick as Janet and Natalie Martinez as Gabby) are small yet 

important roles and make their mark in each scene they are in. I also was impressed with America Ferrera as tough as nails Officer Orozco, a complete different side that showcases her talent with no sign of her Ugly Betty or Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants characters.

Since there is a documentary style to this film, the camera work and editing might take a little bit to get use to, and it may throw some people off. It is a little different and slightly overdone, but I found this mainly at the start of the film and got use to it and didn't notice it as much as I got more engrossed. It has been done before and it is possible  the film would have worked without it or less reliance on the aesthetic, since there are times when it may be difficult to tell exactly what it going on. There is a lot of hand held shots, shaky camera and rapid edited, but it does mellow out.

The settings, sets and shooting on location are also a stand out to this film. 

Again without giving too much away, I felt that there was an unnecessary extra scene right at the end. Although an emotional ending, I feel it would have been even stronger without it. I like my realistic, gut wrenching endings and Hollywood seems to avoid them most of the time. 

The performances and  chemistry is what makes the film work for the most part and worth watching. I appreciate David Ayer's attempt to make End of Watch a different and more realistic cop thriller.