Review of The Watcher (2000) by Timothy S — 20 Jan 2012

There's been a plethora of serial killer movies since "The Silence of the Lambs" made the sub-genre chic, and almost all of them have focused on the killer and the extreme brutality of the murders. "The Watcher" isn't a great film, but it is refreshing as the exception to that rule.

In fact, Keanu Reeves' performance as the killer is the least interesting aspect of the film. It's an underwritten character, not particularly well thought out, and Reeves doesn't really do a lot to build on that. Where the movie really does excel is as a police procedural thanks to some sharp writing and a strong lead performance by James Spader. He hasn't been on the radar a lot lately as an actor, but this film shows how good he can be when given a juicy part like this. It's fascinating to watch him work, and director Joe Charbanic's skill really adds to the film's frantic pacing. There's a real sense of urgency here that is missing from a lot of other similar, higher profile films.

Unfortunately, that spark and excitement only carries the movie so far. Marisa Tomei is an Academy Award winner and frequent nominee, but she is completely wasted here. She's supposed to be Spader's beautiful and intelligent psychiatrist, but she may as well have been listed in the credits as "victim". And the ending is especially disappointing. It's generic and wraps things up way too quickly. "The Watcher" certainly has its faults, most notably the bland title, but there's a lot here to like as well. It's a better film that you may believe going into it.