Review of End of Watch (2012) by Tyler F — 23 Sep 2013

Movie Review for "End of Watch".

Being a police officer is not an easy job, but being a police officer in the streets of Las Angeles, California can be even a tougher job. In the movie "End of Watch", two police officers named Brian Taylor (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Miguel Zavala (Michael Peña) are committed to keeping crime off the streets and making it safer. Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña's acting not only allows you to relate to the movie, but it also keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire movie.

"End of Watch" is not your typical action movie. The movie is mostly filmed by Officer Brian Taylors's video camera which allows you to feel more involved in the movie's plot. David Ayer does a good job of introducing us to the plot by starting the movie with the cops fighting crime, but then as the movie goes on showing the dangerous things that cops have to experience sometimes. The most dangerous thing in the movie that the officers have to face is the Mexican drug cartels. The plot of the movie keeps you interested throughout the movie because as time goes on, the two officers have closer encounters with the drug cartels. David Ayer uses the rivalry between the drug cartels and the police officers to not only develop the plot, but keep us interested on what's going to happen next.

The acting by Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña as the two officers is phenomenal. The movie introduces the officers as partners, but throughout the movie you realize it is much more than just partners. The two officers throughout the movie develop a friendship that makes us wonder if these two actors are actual best friends. David Ayer does a good job throughout the movie showing us the friendship of the officers by having good dialogue and comedic conversations. For instance, the two officers would always talk about one another's life, family, and struggles while driving around the streets. Another way good acting is portrayed in the movie is when the two officers are being shot at by the drug cartels. The two actors make it seem believable that they are in actual danger by their emotions and dialogue. For example, Officer Taylor's emotions can be seen when he says to his partner in a brave but concerned voice, "Look at me. On three, dude, you're gonna empty your mag and run." The overall acting in the movie is outstanding and Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña do a superb job of presenting the challenges officers encounter every day.

Most people can relate to the movie when it comes to trying to start or raising a family, but still having to go to your every day job. Officer Miguel Zavala says "Marriage is forever, it's a promise before god." This quote represents society's outlook on marriage and marriage is also a stepping stone to starting a family. In the movie the officers are both married and trying to have kids, but at the same time working at the police station. People can relate to this because most people want to have a family and a descent job they are proud of doing. The two officers obviously know the dangers of being a police officer, which is also another reason some people can relate to the movie. For example, some people have jobs that don't always guarantee they will be home that night. "End of Watch" represents how some people can relate to the movie by showing the importance of friendship, relationships, or even the positives of raising a family.

"End of Watch" shows the struggles and benefits police officers face every day. David Ayer does an excellent job of not making this a typical cop movie. "End of Watch" is a must see movie that wont have you disappointed. Overall the movie is an action movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire movie.