Late Watch

It's not often that I see an independent film (and I have seen a lot) look so clean and at the same time play so funny. There always seems to be something off. Henry S. Miller's LATE WATCH proves there is hope for the independent thinking filmmaker. The camera moves with ease as we follow Travis (Stephen Daniels), the new late watchman at the warehouse, through an introduction to his collective of strange and perverse colleagues. We are navigated in detail through the warehouse observing the hilarious rituals of the staff over a twelve-hour period. While some films would gloss over character and focus on stereotypical story lines, LATE WATCH takes it time, engulfing us with "filmic" visuals (no stock footage here), which enables the audience to feel as if we are on shift as well. There are plenty of laughs, jumps and sensual overtones combined with a classic and gritty New York realism. It looks great. It sounds perfect(not the norm for independents). Look for this one soon.

Saw "Late Watch" at the Tribeca film festival, and have to say it was the most entertaining independent movie I have seen in years. My girlfriend and I laughed uncontrollably at parts, and there were almost no dry moments. Characterizations were unique and nicely varied, with the large and talented cast handled perfectly. The most immediate comparison would be "Clerks," but "Late Watch" is much more professional in terms of cinematography, acting and pacing. Not sure how this will be distributed, but I recommend seeking it out. Perfect Saturday night viewing, and a great look at a part of working life that few people, I suspect, will ever encounter. Great film!

I was lucky enough to catch this film's premier at the Tribeca Film Festival and was extremely impressed. The performances and directing were in perfect harmony with the writing. Nothing was overplayed or unbelievable which helped to keep the audience submerged in the film as we lived vicariously through the main character Travis (Stephen Daniels). The quirkiness of the characters were fascinating and real and relative which made it hysterical in it's plausibility This is the kind of film that you laugh with, at and IN because everyone has either met people like these or have been in similar situations. Thumbs up and good work to the filmmakers.

Tribeca Film Festival was my first movie festival and about 40 films later I felt like I've traveled throughout the world. I've never experienced such condensed intensity of emotions in such a short period of time through so many movies and am very happy to have seen such a variety of films. I have to admit some movies come and go and you forget them them the next day or they just get washed out by the next movie you see. Late Watch was one of the few that really stood out!!!

The movie is funny, smart and quirky enough to keep you interested and entertained from beginning to end. It has great character development, fun plot and smart dialogue. Not to mention great casting! This movie is as funny as it is dark and ironic.

I give it my highest vote.

Among the many things I liked about Late Watch, a dark comedy following the perambulations and conversations of night shift watchmen and women, I was most gratified to watch actors who obviously enjoyed being actors. It seemed they were all just shy of turning to the camera and doing their best Cheshire cat impressions. Indeed, most of the performances were believable, honest and sincere, which in comedy is not as easy as one might think. Particularly the two leads, Travis and Otto, whose serious discussions on matters inane and unusual brought out-loud laughs to the theater. The pacing was excellent with quick dialog broken by spurts of tedium. Exactly how a night shift guarding a warehouse would be. And it is a treat for those who enjoy playing the reference game, with tidbits of philosophy, pop culture and literary analysis popping up with crisp effect. All in all a funny and entertaining picture which I very much recommend.