‘Training Day’ starring Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke is one of my favorite ‘cop’ movies. It was written and directed by David Ayers and now…once again…Ayers continues his fascination with the ‘Men In Blue’ with his new gritty drama entitled ‘End Of Watch’.
This time his focus isn’t on police corruption, but on the every day life of the men and women who patrol our streets and put their lives at risk on a daily basis to serve and protect us.
‘End Of Watch’, while not completely satisfying on an emotional level, does work for the most part, thanks to the two leads, Jake Gyllenhal and Michael Pena who have great chemistry between them.
Gyllenhal is Brian Taylor, an ex Marine, who comes from a wealthy family in Davenport Iowa. He wants to be a lawyer and attends college at night, where he studies film as well as law. Taylor is a dude that loves to take risks. His sensitive side only comes out when he talks about or spends time with his girlfriend, Janet (Anna Kendrick).
Taylor’s partner, Mike Zavala (Mike Pena) couldn’t be more different.
Zavala joined the force right out of high school. He grew up on the streets of East L. A. and has been married to the same woman, Gabby (Natalie Martinez) since high school.
Sitting in their police car, waiting for their next call, the two cops converse candidly about the risks of the job, including the rush and fear that comes with the territory.
This is juxtaposed with their humorous conversations about women, life and fellow officers.
One thing is always clear…Taylor and Zavala would give their life for each other. They are brothers on every level. This is especially clear when a hit is put out on their lives by the Mexican cartel.
On the other side of the law, we meet the shadowy figures from the Sinaloa Drug Cartel and an L.A. street gang and their members Big Evil, Wicked, La La and Demon, among countless other ‘hoodrats and homies’.
As the action unfolds, it’s seen through handheld cameras shot from the P,O.V. of Taylor, the gang bangers, dash cams, surveillance cameras and the citizens caught in the line of fire. This 360 degree perspective creates an intense portrait of the city’s darkest and most violent streets.
This is a powerful story about family, friendship, love, honor and courage. It’s not a perfect film, but it’s definitely worth seeing.
Rounding out the cast are America Ferrera, Cody Horn and Paul Grillo as fellow cops.
I gave ‘End Of Watch’ which opens in theatres, Friday September 21, three and a half bagels out of five. Check out our video to see John’s rating and for more of our banter.
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