End of Watch Delievers and Then Some

I was originally hesitant to see End of Watch due to the plethora of mediocre cop films produced year after year. However, the film greatly exceed my expectations and is a must see for any moviegoer. Set in South-Central, director David Ayers uses a hand-held camera technique to take viewers on a two hour ride along through one of Los Angeles' toughest neighborhoods. The hand-held camera technique delivers a sense of realism often missed in many cop movies, but often does a disservice in the more action-packed scenes. However unattractive it may be, this technique gives viewers a perspective often not seen in cop movies. The strength of the movie is bolstered by the performances of Jake Gyllenhaal(Brian Taylor) and the perpetually underrated Michael Peña (Michael Zavala). Throughout the film's entirety, one does not question the bromance between the pair nor their ability to portray cops. From the first to last frame, the friendship between these two cops permeates each and every scene. Each new shift brings insight into their relationship and it becomes evident early on that these two men are more than merely friends; they're brothers that would stop at nothing to do anything for one another. Throughout the film, Gyllenhaal and Peña's give exceptionally believable performances as real life cops. From the conversations the have in their squad car to the way they apprehend suspects, both actors look and act how people believe a cop would. Big in stature, one would hardly question Gyllenhaal's physical capability of portraying a cop. However, even the smaller and less fit Peña makes believers out of the audience through a rough brawl with a much bigger and menacing street thug. If I could sum this movie up in one word it would be "Epic." Rarely has a movie ever been so Bromantic yet so emotionally gripping at the same time. So go see End of Watch. You will not be disappointed. Its as the second best movie of the year after The Dark Knight Rises. Final Grade: 9.5 out of 10.