Review of Day Watch (2006) by Tom S — 04 Jan 2014

This sequel to Night Watch is an ever richer and rewarding expericence than its predecessor. It benefits greatly from already having all the major characters in place and can concentrate from the get go on continuing the plot elements laid in the first picture and expanding them to create a story with even more at stake and greater excitement.

The plot introduces the 'chalk of fate' which gives its bearer the ability to change history. This sounds like a bit of a cop out, but in this story it completely works. You would think with a destiny changing artefact at characters disposal there would be a lack of tension, but the story is so well written its impossible to predict what the hell is going to happen come its fantastic conclusion.

Everything is wrapped up maybe too neatly, I find myself wanting to see more films delving even deeper into the mythology created so far in these two films, but its best to be left wanting more than feeling overstuffed.

On of my criticisms of the picture is that is doesn't 'look' good as the first one. Even though they were shot by the same guy, this sequel is far cleaner looking, whereas Night Watch had a far more grittier look.

This is a minor point, but I felt it gave this movie a cheaper look than Night. The ending suggests that this is it in the movie series, but there are lots more books that can be adapted so keep your fingers crossed.

With these two films and this summers Wanted, the director Bekmambetov shows he can play up there in the premier league of action cinema. Let this guy rip it up even more on the big screen, On the evidence so far he clearly knows how to get that adrenaline pumping, Twilight Watch in the very near future please!