End of Watch

Release Date: Sep 21, 2012 
Runtime: 1 hr. 49 min. 
Director: David Ayer 
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Peña, Anna Kendrick, Frank Grillo, America Ferrera.

If you ever wondered what an episode of "Cops" would look like with Hollywood actors and a scripted dialogue, then look no further. Written and directed by the writer who brought you "Training Day," "End of Watch" follows two partners in their day-to-day routine in the tumultuous line of duty. Using personal cameras via the 'found footage' approach, it's an intimate yet dramatically intense look into the violence that plagues South Central LA. More importantly, it's about the camaraderie that the two characters share that drives the bulk of the movie, adding humanity that's commonly forgotten in such hard-hitting genres. Gyllenhaal expands his range playing the reckless Brian Taylor, alongside Peña who continues to be an underrated but immensely talented actor. As the camera accompanies the two on their drug busts and house calls, it's easy to get caught up in the moment when brutality erupts. Having done a handful of films regarding law enforcement already, Ayer is a pro when it comes to embellishing the action. He also manages to conjure a bit of humor whenever the lead actors aren't too busy pummeling victims, a thankful reprieve from all the violence. Though the film feels almost like a mesh of assorted episodes, the final climax is enough of an adhesive to bring it all together. Not to be one that's outdone by himself, Ayer gives us another solid film that pushes the boundaries.

Rating: 4 stars