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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)

The film mostly worked for me because of the odd pairing of the rough and decisive ex-cop played by Ed Deerman (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and the diminutive and tormented Simon McNally (Jack Quaid) who struggles with schizophrenia. The unlikely duo prove they have unexpectedly strong chemistry as they form an unlikely alliance to find a woman that Simon believes he may have seen being kidnapped.

The actual procedural aspects of Deerman and McNally's investigation are the weakest aspect here from my perspective. They sort of just wander around encountering violent criminals for most of the film's brief runtime. But there are elements to the film that we don't typically get in these types of films, so I will give it a pass for neglecting the procedural aspects somewhat.

I adored Duncan Skiles' previous film, the vastly underrated serial killer thriller The Clovehitch Killer, and he shows all the same strengths as a director here that he did in that film. The story never lacks a sense of purpose, and the sparkling interactions between its two leads keep the story rolling steadily forward to a satisfying if unmemorable conclusion. I think a couple frightening scenes and potentially a violent encounter at the film's conclusion might have helped to make this more well-rounded as a thriller.

The exploration of Simon's mental health struggles is quite well done and integrated effectively throughout. The film even puts the audience somewhat in Simon's situation where we're not entirely sure what's real and what isn't. We feel the effects of Simon's struggles in a similar way to how he does because we too are uncertain to what extent what we are seeing is real and how much we can trust our senses.

Deerman, while not as likable as Simon, has a nice character arc as he comes to respect Simon and rethink his dismissive treatment of him as a "nutjob." A third-act sequence in which Deerman helps Simon to cope with his paralyzing demons is well-acted and powerful to behold. Deerman is the kind of rogue cop with a heart-of-gold that we can't help finding lovable even if we shouldn't. Even if his methods are problematic, his unimpeachable desire to save an innocent young woman keeps the audience in his corner.

Visually, the film feels like a 70s period thriller due to the sepia-tinged cinematography. This is in spite of the fact that the characters use iPhones and other technology. But I think Skyles was perhaps emphasizing retro aspects intentionally to create a more old-fashioned noir feel. At any rate, this doesn't feel entirely like it's set in the present day even though it ostensibly is.

All in all, Neighborhood Watch may not break new ground as a crime thriller, but its emotional resonance and strong performances make it a quietly compelling film for genre stalwarts.

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.

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!

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.

I like the idea behind 'Neighborhood Watch'. Pairing a couple of flawed human beings in an amateur detective mystery of sorts, while having them played by two extremely likable actors to pave over any unpleasant tendencies they may have, is a solid frame-work for a movie.

The problem was that it all felt very flat. We know nothing about the girl that they are looking for, or the people who took her - or even if any of this actually happened for that matter. And the problem with that is that it is hard to be as invested as the movie needs us to be. It gets a little better as the movie goes along, but for a long time through the middle of the film I wasn't as absorbed as I should've been.

The two leads have a good chemistry and they're actually well crafted characters that they're playing. A movie like this is unlikely to get a sequel I suspect, however I'd watch these two go on another adventure. 6/10.

Simplicity sometimes works.

If you're expecting a big plot movie, this isn't the one to watch.

If you're expecting something well-acted, effective, and capable, it's more possible... it's this way.

It's entertaining, and I honestly didn't find it boring. It's not very fast-paced, but it's quite human. It doesn't have much comedy, and it deals with less-than-sympathetic topics. I don't think it's meant to be cool or funny, but there are a few gags that fit the bill.

I liked it, and I recommend it as a worthy movie... after that, everyone makes their own choices. It's quite close; the duo between them works very well.

This film attempts to create a taut, suburban thriller but ultimately delivers a lukewarm and unmemorable cinematic experience. The film suffers from a severe lack of narrative focus, meandering aimlessly between its paranoid, observational premise and an underdeveloped character drama without ever truly committing to either. The supposed "tense" interactions between the characters feel forced and contrived, lacking the genuine spark and raw danger necessary to engage the audience.

The dialogue, often laden with clichéd pronouncements about community and suspicion, feels painfully artificial. It's as if the writers simply strung together a series of tired genre tropes without any regard for natural conversation. While the film's premise hints at a clever deconstruction of suburban paranoia, it never lives up to its potential, instead settling for a predictable plot and thin character development. "Neighborhood Watch" is a film that promises a thrilling mystery but serves up a slow, uninspired bore.

Is it worth watching? No. It's a forgettable film that promises a thrill but delivers a chore.

I was looking for a movie to watch this evening. I randomly stopped on this one but after checking the review on Imdb, I almost skipped it. I am glad I didn't. Jeffrey Dean Morgan got my initially intrigued.

The movie is nothing transformational, doesn't have the best cinematography or even writing. Even with those comments, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The two main characters we're greatly portrayed and you want them to succeed. A side of society we don't see enough representation in movies.

The acting by both main characters was pretty stellar, way better than it has any right to be.

Go into this movie blindly and enjoy what is to come.

I kind of love this movie. It's a slow-burn, but it knows what it's about. It reminds me most of the great (if rather more substantial) film Cutter's Way from the seventies, in terms of characters who, somewhat despite themselves, are drawn in to the obsessive pursuit of justice, whatever the cost.

The two main leads are really good. Not perfect perhaps, but convincing in the roles they play. Quaid does a solid job as Simon, a haunted, self-doubting psychotic, who, whatever his personal demons, knows exactly what he must do, when duty calls, even if he doesn't know quite how to do it.

Cue Jeffery Dean Morgan's maverick ex-campus security 'director' who reluctantly gets drawn into Simon's to find a kidnapped girl.

It's mostly low key, but really works, and there are some nice set-ups and pay offs.

I watched this and felt oh so very slightly better about the world by the time the credits started rolling.

I don't want to suggest this is going to rock your world - it won't - but at the same time I wish there were more films like this.

To be clear, not Psycho or Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte. More like Rear Window, Rope or North By Northwest.

It's not a fast paced thrill a second. It's a combo double character study, and a slowly unwinding mystery.

Jack Quaid and Jeffrey Dean Morgan as the two leads are great, both individually and together.

Malin Akerman, an actress who deserves more credit than she gets, is excellent in a small supporting role.

Cecile Cubilo as the doubtful, then engaged detective is fine too.

The disturbing hallucinations/narrations that Simon (Quaid) suffers through are a bit much, but necessary to understand his perspective and challenge. Morgan plays a misanthropic goof who's been fired (for understandable reasons) from his campus security position.

The two make an unlikely pair, that slowly connect in a very believable and organic way.

The emotionally satisfying ending ties threads that we are rooting for throughout this oddball buddy pic.

Recommended.

The previews made this look better than it was,not saying it was horrible but have seen better.

The main leads chemistry wasn't great,but maybe they were supposed to come off like oil & water.. Maybe a bit more context over the leads backstory,may of helped to understand some aspects better.

Cinematography & overall atmosphere or locations was depressing,but might of been the intent.

Considering the running time,you are just wanting to fast forward to see how it concludes.

Was a clichéd storyline,nothing original or special.

Casting to acting was average,besides the chemistry issue the leads quirkiness got tiresome after awhile.

Not something will rewatch,but mainly also watched it due to Jeffrey Dean Morgan.

Its a solid movie. It was a little underwhelming but they did good with it. The acting from all of the actors was all very good. The chemistry between the two main characters was definitely the best part of the movie for me, and they did a really good job of portraying simons mental state. It was pretty good for the first 2 acts, but the third act is kinda where it fell apart. Theres no reason why they couldnt have just gone to the police after what happened in eds house. I get it, theyre saying that the cops "wont believe him" but do you really think they wouldnt bat an eye after seeing the aftermath of what happened there? Not spoiling it but im just saying, they wouldnt have just shrugged off something like that. The ending was pretty underwhelming. There was no climax or anything, they just resolved the movie and that was it. It was decent, if they had just given the movie a better ending and gave the characters a real reason not to go to the police, it would be great. But its just... ehhh.

Interesting enough but not really. I mean the plot was interesting in the beginning but then it went really cliche and predictable. In the beginning what kept it intriguing was trying to figure out whether it was real or all Simon's imagining. However, half way through the story this was revealed which kinda killed the suspense.

I thought this film was a missed opportunity that could've been so much more. There were moments early that was funny, but then also disappeared towards the end.

Feels like an indy film that started out great but ran out of idea. The only thing that kept me going was Negan, otherwise I would've probably shut it off after the half way point.

Average film with an average story that didn't really go anywhere.

5/10.

I really had to struggle through this one and experienced the same sort of relief after completing a five mile run when I finally got to the end of it.

I read the reviews, some said no chemistry between the leads, some said great chemistry, some said it was good others the opposite. In fact none really gave great insight. For the record, I think the chemistry was pretty good, but the movie nevertheless was still rubbish.

The story is slow and laboured, the perfomances though OK are somewhat overplayed and I think this is down to the direction. There's not a lot to go on from the story perspective, so the movie reliess heavily on the characters which for me didn't work. I wanted to be engrossed, I wanted to be ivolved in a off-cuff movie where things pan out excitebly and in a way you didn't see coming... but that's not whats on offer here. What you have is a mundane scenario of occurances that have been stitched together to make a movie... which isn't very good.

I think you will probably like this... somewhat, or hate it. I mostly didn't like it. I didn't enjoy watching it and I couldn't for the life of me come up with a good idea why anyone would waste time watching it.

Personally I'd say give it a miss, but as I said before I think there are a minority of movie goers who my find it... interesting.

3/10 from me.

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.

This movie was incredibly painful to watch. Every element is wooden and recycled. There is no chemistry, no real background or explanations and nothing is the least bit Thriller or Crime related. It drags, because the pacing is nonexistent, as is the actuality of mental illness. At the half way mark, I had already had wnough, but I stayed, hoping it would improve. It never does. I don't know how Jack Quaid is getting so many roles lately. He takes the same approach to every character he plays, which can be quite tedious and more than a bit frustrating for the viewer. On the hole, this move feels cheap, and without any redeeming qualities.

I like the basic premise and the two actors. I would say this movie was too "Hollywood" and resembled a 45 minute detective TV series such as Blue Bloods or Law and Order. It wasn't an exciting or groundbreaking movie and the characters didn't have any credible or defining moments. I would lightly encourage people to watch it for the mild humor or convincing film locations, but that they likely will be underwhelmed by the story itself - everything that happens is heavily manipulated.

Some of the jokes worked for me and it was a quick 90 minute film to kill time on a Saturday morning, but it's pretty forgettable.

There are on-screen duos that seem destined to set the screen ablaze - not because they're perfect, but precisely due to the friction, the spark between their differences, as if they had sprung straight from the storyboard of Shane Black - that master of mixing gunpowder, punchlines, and unresolved emotional baggage. The problem is, Neighborhood Watch feels more like a rushed essay written by someone who'd heard of Shane Black but thought he was a cocktail... and then overpoured. Simon (Jack Quaid) and Ed (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) are thrown together like puzzle pieces from different boxes - and the result, far from being an intriguing fit, is just a poorly printed, faded overlap, lacking even the charm of a mistake.

Simon is a haunted man - not just by trauma, but by his own words, which he compulsively scrambles into a kind of emotional alphabet soup, like a broken metaphor generator on autopilot. A former psychiatric patient, he suffers from hallucinations that the film insists on treating with exhausting solemnity. Beside him, Ed is the ex-campus security guard whose moral rigidity turns petty crimes into personal offenses - a character so dull that not even the attempt to spice him up with gruff one-liners - the kind meant to elicit uncomfortable chuckles - can save him from tasting like reheated leftovers.

The issue isn't that they lack chemistry. It's that they seem like elements from different periodic tables, only interacting under extreme lab conditions - and even then, the reaction is apathetic, far from explosive. The script tries to follow the playbook of the dysfunctional duo solving a mystery bigger than their own issues, but it never lands the tone: it neither embraces cynical humor nor sinks into serious drama. It just lingers there, stagnant, at a neutral pH - no acids, no bases, just lukewarm water.

The plot - or, as I prefer to call it, the pretext - revolves around the disappearance of a girl Simon claims to have seen, though he doesn't know if it was delusion or reality. The film could have leaned into that ambiguity: Is he insane, or the only sane man in a blind world? But no - it prefers to conduct the investigation like clocking in for a shift: visit the police station, the college, pass by a junkyard, exchange a handful of lines, repeat the blinking joke (which, I'll admit, worked on me - probably because I was already blinking from exhaustion), and move on.

In the end, Simon musters the strength to finally confront someone - a visual metaphor for the breakthrough the film thinks is powerful, but to me, it felt as obvious as it was inevitable. And I'll confess: I looked away too. Not out of secondhand embarrassment, but pure disinterest. Neighborhood Watch tries to follow the old formula of the duo that completes each other, but it ends up like an unsolved equation. Maybe not even Shane Black would want to sign off on this one - and frankly, neither would I.

I read someone wrote this was more a drama than a crime/thriller but I can't agree with that. Neighborhood Watch is totally a crime/thriller with some light funny moments. The best thing about it are the main characters played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Jack Quaid. They form the odd couple and for some reason it works perfectly well. Jack Quaid plays the guy with a mental disorder whilst Jeffrey Dean Morgan plays the know-it-all ex security guard believing he's a great detective. The pair together are on a quest of finding a girl that got kidnapped. Their quest is really pleasant to follow as they stumble from one problem to another. A good entertaining movie.

It's a fun and very grounded story that will leave you with a respectful smile. The way they showcase mental illness is very well done thanks to realistic writing, a kickass sound department, and minimal well placed special effects. Both of the leads lean into their strengths and produce an overall natural and exciting performance that many movies these days seem to have lost. It leaves the audience with the sense that this is a crazy story that could have actually happened, where some good was done, rather than being one of those movies you are consistently yelling: "That would never happen!" At the screen.

Jack Quaid seems to be the flavor of the month, and I'm about it. Novacaine may have been a bit lacking but The Boys and The companion showed me he likely has a great acting career ahead of him. You are my boy Howie!

I throughly enjoyed The Neighborhood Watch, and it was a refreshing break from many modern titles that lack the storytelling ability shown throughout the film. The writers and director don't hold your hand as you progress through the plot, and it is very gratifying to come to your own conclusions about the characters according to their actions and dialog. Just a really awesome story that executed well.