Neighborhood Watch

This is actually pretty good. Two misfits get together for a common cause. One is a washed up ("never was") security guard, and the other has been in a mental institution for a decade. They are each motivated by their demons to save a victim of human trafficking. There is a good blend of humor and tension and suspense. The mental health aspect is also very well done. The acting is solid. Parts of this are simplistic and predictable, but the movie moves at a good pace and keeps the viewer's attention. Not sure what to make of the axe-wielding granny, nor what's really going on with the antagonist (whom we don't really see). Fun and entertaining.

The movie felt Fargoish which very entertaining. The characters were well defined and believable.

After Simon (who has issues with schizophrenia) reports to the police about the abuction of a women he witnessed. The police didn't take it seriously so he started his own investigation. He sought help from his retired and somewhat disgruntled neighbor. The investigation turned into a bit of comedy of errors but the end result was satifying.

The pair end up forming a bond that would never have happened if not for the abuction of the girl. It was heartfelt.

It is nice to see some great acting from lesser known stars. Kudos to the director, cast, and crew.

I highly recommend it.

Neighborhood Watch feels like a cinematic gem that often goes overlooked, and it's high time it receives the recognition it deserves. The film is crafted in a way that echoes the sharp, hard-boiled style of Dashiell Hammett, bringing a rich sense of atmosphere and intrigue to the screen. The narrative is centered around a small, seemingly ordinary neighborhood, but beneath the surface, there's a web of secrets and lies waiting to be unraveled. It's a brilliant exploration of suburban life tinged with crime and mystery.

The strength of Neighborhood Watch lies in its ability to tap into Hammett's signature noir style. Much like the author's novels, it's a story about flawed characters navigating a morally complex world. The protagonist, a well-meaning but disillusioned detective, finds himself drawn into a situation that reveals the darker side of his community. It's an intense, gripping ride from start to finish, with unexpected twists and a palpable tension that keeps viewers hooked.

What stands out most about the film is its atmosphere. The cinematography uses shadow and light in ways that evoke the classic noir films of the 1930s and '40s, creating a sense of constant unease. The screenplay is sharp and clever, with dialogue that crackles with a mix of sarcasm, bitterness, and wit-exactly what you'd expect from a Hammett-inspired piece.

The performances are stellar, with the lead actor giving a nuanced portrayal of a man torn between his own morality and the corruption he uncovers. The supporting cast also shines, adding depth to the world and helping to build an ensemble that feels both lived-in and mysterious.

While Neighborhood Watch might not have made as big a splash as it should have upon release, it deserves a much larger audience. It's a prime example of how classic noir sensibilities can still captivate modern viewers, blending old-school charm with contemporary storytelling. If you appreciate a good, twist-laden thriller with a touch of noir, this film is a must-watch. It's high time that Neighborhood Watch gets the attention it rightly deserves.

If I would describe Neighborhood Watch as an overall movie in one word, it would be... regular? It's a very regular movie. But when done right, a regular movie can be highly enjoyable. This is the perfect example of that.

Jack Quaid gives possibly his best performance. He seems perfect for this role of someone suffering from severe mental illness. Jeffrey Dean Morgan also plays his role well. And their on screen chemistry and character dynamics are a big part of why this movie succeeds.

It also helps to have good writing. Several small parts end up coming into play later. Even if it doesn't have a major impact, these callbacks show that they care about making a good movie. And I was emotionally invested in the story and these characters.

(1 viewing, 4/26/2025)

There are elements of this film that really shine. Overall, I liked it. There are a few spots I'd normally nitpick on but Jack Quaids performance (at least to me) was great. I also think Jeffrey Dean Morgan could have done more with his role but the script hampered his performance. Still, he made the most of what was given to him.

The movie is executed well in terms of direction, lighting, cinematography and sound, but the dialogue was wooden at times - the director should have realized that and listened to his actors. This didn't happen often but when it does, you notice it.

Ultimately, it's about a retired cop and a person with mental health issues working out a friendship between them. That is possibly the most appealing aspect of this movie. You'd think it'd be minor thing. But Morgan and Quaid pulled it off!