User reviews

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Thanks for reading! Visit moviemusereviews.com for more

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.

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.

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")

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Just watch it, bromance excellence and griping acting!

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.

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.

End of watch is a cop action/drama but quite different in its style. In the first few minutes I'm thinking, oh this is no good, I can't watch this. It's a docu drama style and shaky camera type of stuff. But you keep watching and before you know it you are drawn into their world and it feels very genuine.

Gyllenhaal and Pena have a great chemistry on screen and come across very well as two officers working well together.

The body-cam type of footage works well and it's a great film - no real clear plot or character development other than these two officers doing their job. But the story develops well and it's a quite a gritty show with some hard scenes.

Definately worth putting on your watchlist.

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!

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.

So I just watched End of Watch and it is by far Ayer's best movie. The acting is incredible, everyone does a great job especially Jake Gyllenhaal who does incredible. He's probably my favorite actor. I've never seen him give a bad performance. The characters are also great, especially our main two Brian Taylor (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Mike Zavala (Michael Peña) who have great on-screen chemistry and are very funny in this movie. The action is so great it is done so well it feels gritty it feels like people could die at any moment and it is very violent. The way this film is filmed whether we're talking about the found footage parts or the not found footage parts work they work very well and made the movie better in my opinion helping with the grittiness. Like most things in this movie the ending is incredible. I really liked it. I hope David Ayer goes back to making films as good as this because he's able to do it and from what I've heard I doubt The Tax Collector will be that return but I hope he starts making great films soon. Overall this is probably my 2nd favorite movie of 2012 (I think I like Moonrise Kingdom a bit more) and this is probably my favorite found footage type film and I'm going to give End of Watch an A+