End of Watch – One of last years big surprises! Now on DVD #EndofWatch

One of my few big surprises in film from last year was End of Watch. The Director of Training Day and Street Kings David Ayer brought a hard hitting LAPD drama showcasing a bromance comradery from its two leading men which has such intensity that it leaves you wondering if there was ever any script to start with or if this is an altogether genius improvisation.

Staring Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena End of Watch has an element of pastiche about it with the hand held filming, which may seem tiresome to some, however look beyond this and I have to follow suit that this really is one of the best cop films in a very long time.

This film is most definitely something I’m going to add to my movie collection, and I really urge you all to do the same. Its not the easiest watch at times, but it certainly feels like it has less of the Hollywood glamour and more of a docu-drama feel (even though its not!).

The greatest shame about this film really is the fact that it didn’t get picked up more around the awards season. Fantastic performances from the leads and supporting cast, and an interesting observation into the side of LA us tourists really DONT want to get lost in!

Here’s a little more about what you can expect from the film:

In their mission to abide by their oath to serve and protect, Officer Brian Taylor (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Officer Mike Zavala (Michael Peña)have formed a powerful brotherhood to ensure they both go home at the END OF WATCH. The only guarantee for these officers is that there are no guarantees when patrolling the streets of South Central, Los Angeles.

Danger presents itself to the dedicated duo daily, and soon the pair find themselves inadvertently targets of powerful cartels.

Between the blue lights, blaring sirens and adrenaline pumping action thrives an honest and often humorous banter between partners who spend most of their days in a police car awaiting the next call. The officers have formed a bond that allows them to function as a unit in the face of danger, knowing full well, at any moment, they could be called on to lay down their lives.

Writer/Director/Producer David Ayer (TRAINING DAY) was driven to get the story of Los Angeles cops “right,” and open a window into a rarely seen world of law enforcement  for all its truth, grit and compassion. Produced by John Lesher, Nigel Sinclair and Matt Jackson, with a cast headed by Gyllenhaal and Peña, and featuring Anna Kendrick and America Ferrera, END OF WATCH is a high-octane, gritty crime thriller.