END OF WATCH (David Ayer, Open Road Pictures, 2012)

I walked away from END OF WATCH (David Ayer, Open Road Pictures, 2012) absolutely stunned and amazed. Occasionally I will do coverage on scripts and I had done this script and vividly remember thinking this film would not work at all. I was wrong. The bond between the two officers Brian Taylor (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Mike Zavala (Michael Pena) carried the film. It strengthened what I felt were the weaker points in the narrative, spots I felt weren't developed deeply enough. The chemistry between Gyllenhaal and Pena was strong and most importantly believable. Their back and forth banter, the conviction they had for each other and the job, the careful guarding of each others backs. Very strong and held the film together. Reading the script was also very confusing in visualizing how the camera movement would work in the film. Camera is always very important to me and I really liked what they did in the film, flipping between POV's and traditional camera use. I came away impressed with this new look and tone to a film. It seems as if Ayer has a great mind in visual storytelling and I like where he is headed. Finally the film offers a tremendously realistic portrayal of Los Angeles street life on both sides. Immediately after watching I texted a LAPD friend of mine as well as another friend, a former gang member. Both had seen the film and both raved about its portrayal. That impresses me. Also, it was nice that Ayer crafted a story around two average cops, two men just working the job and trying to make a difference in their community. And that realism? Scary. Scary to think it resides so close to where I live and commute on a daily basis. Surprisingly good, hyper realistic in presentation and saturated with good cinematic technique this film isn't to be missed!