Is it end of road for crime-fighting duo?
WHO STARS IN IT?
Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Pena, Anna Kendrick, Natalie Martinez, David Harbour, Frank Grillo, America Ferrera, Cody Horn.
-
Officers Brian Taylor (Jake Gyllenhaal), right, and Mike Zavala (Michael Pena) in End of Watch.
WHO DIRECTS IT?
Screenwriter, film producer and director, David Ayer (Training Day (screen play) Harsh Times and Street Kings).
With every new aerial installed by AMC aerials I will fit an extra point in your bedroom or kitchen for an extra £10
New aerials fitted from £70
Call Adrian on 01332 418856
Terms: Must be an aerial supplied and fitted by AMC aerials
Contact: 01332 418856
Valid until: Friday, July 12 2013
WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?
Writer-director David Ayer evidently believes that if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Since his 2001 script for Training Day, which landed Denzel Washington a long overdue Oscar as Best Actor, the Illinois-born film-maker has been fascinated by camaraderie and corruption within the rank and file of Los Angeles Police Department.
And, despite the opening title card "Once upon a time in South Central..." this tour of the city streets with the men and women of the LAPD is no fairytale.
Villains don't get their comeuppance, beautiful heroines are slain before clocks chime midnight and the only people living happily ever after are the pimps and drug dealers, who exploit the weak and vulnerable.
WHAT IS THE PLOT?
Officers Brian Taylor (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Mike Zavala (Michael Pena) patrol the mean streets, trading macho banter in between shoot-outs with bad guys.
But when they uncover a trafficking operation run by a local cartel, they are marked for death.
"You just tugged on the tail of a snake that's going to turn round and bite you," warns a DEA agent.
Through their recklessness, the partners endanger not just themselves but also their respective sweethearts, Janet (Anna Kendrick) and heavily pregnant Gabby (Natalie Martinez).
IS IT ANY GOOD?
End of Watch boasts thrilling action sequences and strong performances but familiarity with Ayer's work breeds a mild weariness.
However, Gyllenhaal and Pena are convincing as men who would take a bullet for each other, chewing on Ayer's potty-mouthed dialogue, including a hilarious anecdote about being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
To uphold the law, you sometimes have to break it and then hide behind a shiny police badge.
Comments