Review of Day Watch (2006) by Latrice B — 18 Apr 2009

Impressively directed with superb special effects, this is an action-packed fantasy flick that's actually more fun than the first film. Day Watch and Night Watch were filmed more or less back-to-back, so it's no surprise that Bekmambetov's flashy directorial style hasn't changed from the first film.

Day Watch also employs the same witty approach to subtitling, with subtitles getting caught in crossfire and splattered against the wall, amongst other things. Bekmambetov also orchestrates some terrific action scenes, such as a car driving along the side of a building or a protracted battle in a hotel room.

The effects work is excellent too, creating the pulpy, stylish atmosphere of a graphic novel. Despite the fact that it's the middle chapter of a trilogy, the plot is relatively simple to understand and Day Watch is actually more enjoyable than Night Watch as a result.

There's also a welcome streak of dark humour (such as Anton body-swapping with a female colleague to go into hiding) that was largely absent from the first movie. If you enjoyed Night Watch then you won't be disappointed with Day Watch, as it's a stylish fantasy flick with superb action sequences and a witty script.

Here's hoping Bekmambetov gets to complete the trilogy with Dusk Watch.