End of Watch

End of Watch realistically portrays the reality of cop life on the rough streets of south central LA.

It tells the story of two partners Brian (Jake Gyllenhal) and Mike (Michael Pena). At first it appears more like a documentary than a movie, and highlights the camaraderie between officers and rivalry within the dept.

The opening scene featuring a high speed chase on a dash cam followed by a fatal encounter is all shot through the single cam with editing. I found this to be quite impressive giving a realistic feel.

As the movie progresses it seems driven more by events than by story which I personally found to be a refreshing change from typical cop movies. As it lacks the slick production you typically get in a police procedural it invites us into a more realistic experience.

Brian is the more introspective cop who used to be in the Armed Forces, and Michael the more gregarious one. There is great chemistry and humor between these two, as they discuss their dreams, first times and so forth.

The story emerges when these two accidentally uncover a human trafficking operation and run foul of a Mexican drug cartel. Brian's curious nature leads him to ignore the advice of a DEA agent and follow up some leads himself, which has potentially fatal consequences for he and his partner.

We explore the romantic relationships of these two, one married, the other just beginning a relationship with a girl played by Anna Kendrick (Up in the Air).

We explore the interactions with different villains one of whom challenges Mike to put down his weapons and see if he can take him physically. A fight ensues. The ultimate outcome of this fight may save both cops lives.

Brian carries a camera with him giving a cops eye view on several scenes. Sometimes this did seem impractical and a little dangerous and unrealistic, and sometimes I did find the shifting between perspectives a little jarring. Later though this does become interesting with the climactic scenes.

I think the best way to watch this movie is not to know too much about it in advance and just experience it. I found the experience to be well worthwhile and was thankful to be able to see it while still in theaters. I think though there is little advantage to seeing it in theater compared to waiting for the dvd.

It surpassed my expectations and I think it did portray the policemen as flawed but quintessentially good and also heroic. I think most people will love it.

Really enjoyed that movie. Although I'm not a cop I can say it's very realistic after having wathced a couple of documentaries on the subject. I'm happy to see that Training Day screenwriter is as good as a filmmaker.

Oh yeah also Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena are simply amazing together on screen, as if they were best bodies in real life, BFF! I knew Jake Gyllenhaal was a great actor, who has not loved Donnie Darko ? (although it's closer to his Jarhead Performance) but the true discovery for me was Michael Pena, this guy is impressive, would like to see him in a lead.

J.

I sincerely hope that this movie would change peoples mind,and not to
read the negative reviews that's being said about it,especially when they
don't know what different in a movie makes,so this movie is way out in left
field,this is why i love it so much i hate it when i have to sit through the same old
same thing all the time..i just love it.