The film End of Watch is a newly released 2012 cop action movie which is shot in the hand held style of film making. The film follows two South Central cops, Brian Taylor and Mike Zavala, played by Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena respectively. The film tracks their day to day lives until they stumble across an especially ruthless cartel. One of the things that sets this film apart from other action films is the hand held filming style which is definitely unique and gives the film a more realistic tone. It’s interesting to see this film style used for films other than horror films, the latter of which has been overdone at this point.
One of the down points of the film is, oddly enough, the hand held camera gimmick. It’s as if the film makers wanted to make a hand held camera action film but didn’t realize that there would be problems. There are points in the film when there is no possible way a camera could be held and yet the camera is shaking as if someone is holding it. When Chronicle decided to have multiple hand held cameras, they did it in a way that made sense. They had camera phones, a single hand held camera, security cameras and so on.
There is one point during the film which illustrates how awkward this got. During the film there was a sex scene between Brian and his fiancé named Janet, played by Anna Kendrick. It’s established they are the only ones in the room and yet we see the camera moving all around them and that leaves one question; who or what is holding the camera? That was one of the most outstandingly obvious of the moments but there are other little ones scattered around.
Luckily, that’s really the only big downside to the film as the acting from the main actors is really good. Brian and Mike don’t seem likable at first, but you quickly learn to like them and enjoy when they are talking to each other. Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena have a great chemistry together and with the other cops on the force. The various gang members say their lines naturally and without missing a beat. The side characters are pretty good in their roles too, but aren’t outstanding either.
If there were one reason to see this film, it would have to be the completely out of left field ending the film delivers. The ending lulls you into thinking it’s going to end the way that most action films do and then it makes a really risky move. The filmmakers really decided to change up the formula on this one.
With September being a time of little to no big releases, it’s interesting a film like this would come out in now. The hand held camera style brings a brand new angle which could be perfected in further action films. The acting is pretty good across the board and with a completely unexpected ending, this film is going to be talked about for a long time. If you’re bored at home and are waiting for some of the fun upcoming releases in October and November, it’s recommended you go and see End of Watch.