For those of you who are interested, this will be my first ever movie review. Last night, I watched the movie End of Watch on DirecTV’s On Demand. I was blown away. I’ve seen tons of cop movies in my life, as well as every single episode of Law & Order, and I can tell you that nothing prepared me for the gritty reality of police life that End of Watch portrayed. The direction, production and filming of this film is so incredibly mind blowing that you literally feel like you’re part of the action. And what a roller coaster ride it is!
The two stars of the show, Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña, are not only partners but best friends in every sense of the word. As officers Taylor and Zavala, they seem to be nothing but overgrown frat boys, constantly joking and kibbutzing about everything from women to police work to their superiors at work. They’re like little boys who always wanted to be cops but never grew up. Just when you think the movie is a comedy, a call comes over the radio, the joking comes to a screeching halt, and it’s all business.
There might be no business like show business, but as the movie unfolds you’ll see that the business of being a cop is anything but show. It’s ugly, it’s brutal, and it’s heartbreaking, especially in South Central Los Angeles, where this story takes place. I must warn you that the violence and language in this movie is not for the faint of heart. Then again, neither is police work.
Real life cops will tell you that no amount of training can prepare them for some of the scenes they come across on a daily basis. At any given moment, their lives can change in the blink of an eye. If you never truly understood that concept, this film will leave no doubt that this is an absolute truth. This film also makes you wonder why anyone in their right mind would take this thankless job. For any amount of money. No wonder so many cops become hardened and jaded. They see the absolute worst of humanity that none of us even imagine exists. We should only be grateful there are enough men and women willing to serve. I know I couldn’t.
Unless you are truly cynical and heartless, you’ll come away from this movie with an entirely different perspective of police work and a new found respect for those who serve us in such a capacity. I know I did.
In less than two hours, I got to know Officers Taylor and Zavala like I know my own sons. And I came to love them almost as much. I can’t even imagine being the mother, or even the wife, of a cop, knowing that every time my son walked out that door could be the last. Honestly, you don’t watch this movie – you live it. And, if you’re like me, you are haunted by it.
End of Watch made me laugh, cringe, tremble in fear, cry, and when the credits rolled, bawl like a baby. The movie’s producers dedicated it to all the men and women who wear the badge, and especially to all the fallen heroes who died so that you and I could live.
This is a must watch film, especially for those of you who think police work is a piece of cake. Especially for those of you who think you could handle this job. I guarantee you, you’ll think again.
Stephanie Kienzle
“Spreading the Wealth”
