I haven’t enjoyed a cop movie this much in a long time. Be prepared for non-stop stress, action, and good-buddy good-times from End of Watch. Jake Gyllenhaal amd Michael Peña are perfectly paired as young partners in some of the meanest streets of LA. The reality of being beat cops vs. gangs is shoved in your face in such a way, you won’t soon forget the impact. Add to that best-buddy dynamics, dedication to family, and cop-camaraderie, and you have a well rounded film that is quite touching. Outstanding work.
Whomever cast Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña together certainly earned their pay with this movie. This pair was meant to be together. For all the guys out there, you will instantly identify with their unique dude-bonding.
The movie incorporates lots of footage from personal HD cameras which add that “Blair Witch Project†style dynamics to the footage. That somehow turns something that is already real enough, into something even more deeply impactful – both the rough scenes, and the loving ones.