Review of End of Watch (2012) by Charles R — 11 Sep 2013

Jake Gyllenhaal shines throughout this 'handheld' cop drama, portraying a South Central beat cop (who isn't corrupt for a change) who decides to document his life on the job for a film project.

What's most commendable about this particular slice-of-life is that our hero's story remains lighthearted even in the midst of South Central crime life (complete with crackheads, maniac gang members, and a menacing cartel threat that lurks in the background), preventing this from becoming just another 'Training Day' for writer/director David Ayer (who proves without a doubt that he's the master of creating horrific moments without resorting to over-the-top histrionics).

5/5 Kudos go to Micheal Pena, America Ferrera, and other relative unknowns in the cast as well, who master the the film's hilarious (and human) moments.