Neighborhood Watch

A pleasant surprise. I thought it's going to be bad, but it was actually a good movie. Nothing major, I won't watch it 72 times in a row, won't think about it 10 years from now, won't keep recommending it to friends. But it did make for an evening well spent.

The story is not very complex, but it was interesting, and was fairly original. Most importantly the two leads did a great job. Their act felt very natural and authentic, their characters were likeable. I wasn't bored while watching, I rooted for them to succeed with their mission, and hoped for the one they were looking for to be found, and was surprised a few times, which is always a plus.

In general, I liked it, enjoyed it. It was not the movie of the century, but it was the right movie for last night.

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)

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.

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!

Came to watch it for the two main stars not knowing too much about the plot but stayed because of how the film was executed.

The chemistry between the two main characters is great even though at first they had nothing in common (although I wouldn't mind if they had fleshed it out a little bit more).

The plot is easy to follow and had a couple of nice quirks that I liked.

Almost every scene in the movie has a purpose and nothing is spoon fed to the viewer.

The ending was very rewarding and I liked the fact that the world the movie took place in was so down to the ground.

And the hand sanitiser gag had me chuckle more than I'd like to admit.

Good stuff.

Wholesome movie.

Give it a try :)

8/10.