User reviews

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

It's arguable that without these two leads that the movie wouldn't be as engrossing and ultimately enjoyable as it is. Quaid is finally getting his due after successful work in TV and supporting roles. His range gets further revealed in this film. Morgan, long known for his turns as a villain is also getting recognized for solid work in character roles.

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.

I decided to watch Neighbourhood Watch primarily because of the cast, particularly Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Jack Quaid. While the film starts off at a relatively slow pace, the second half gained momentum and ultimately left a stronger impression on me.

Both Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Jack Quaid deliver solid performances, and their on-screen dynamic feels natural and engaging. The finale, in particular, carried an unexpected emotional weight that resonated with me.

That said, the storytelling is not without its flaws. Certain elements of the narrative could have been more cohesive, and the pacing uneven at times. Still, despite these shortcomings, I found myself enjoying the film far more than I initially anticipated.

Low key buddy comedy/thriller might seem like a throwback to the bygone days of the 80s and early 90s but the twists is our two oddball amateur sleuths have no real authority to investigate the movies central crime, nor are they completely certain it even took place.

I really dug the hell out of the main characters and the environment they traveled through in this film. The cityscape was appealing disheveled, perfectly matching the flawed people roaming within.

Now that might sound mighty dark but thanks to a commendable efforts by a dedicated cast and a knowledgeable director in command of tone and style it never gets too heavy for mass consumption.

I will confess that the crime aspect of the film is undoubtedly the weakest part of the package, so if you're going into it expecting a "balls to the walls" full blown thriller with endless twist and turns, you're unlikely to find this film a satisfying viewing experience.

Instead try watching the film as a character study about a pair of mismatched misfits, trying to solve a mystery and along the way, they manage to finding some sort of connection, a shot at redemption and a maybe even a sense of resolution. The movie is undoubtedly much more effective when viewed through such a lens.

Lastly I wanna mention the two leading men, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Jack Quaid as they just light up the screen together, whether bickering or sharing a rare tender moment, they are undoubtedly the movie's most valuable asset, given the immense chemistry they share, and I was rooted for them at every turn.

So I'll give "Neighborhood Watch" a solid recommendation, just remember to approach it less like a traditional thriller and more as an interesting and slightly off-kilter character piece.

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.

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.

I appreciated this movie! Ordinary people in an ordinary town end up having an extraordinary day. While the plot isn't thick and the character development isn't deep, the simplicity of the story doesn't require it. Nor is our time wasted trying to get us to care or instill sympathetic leanings towards the mains, and yet you do because you're invited to. Likewise, the movie answers most of it's own questions plot wise. Maybe a little more about why the voice in his head being his father, but then again it wouldn't matter. It's reasonably inferred and left at that. Like the rest of the characters, the surface is scratched and we move on.

The simplicity of the movie is wonderful. You're introduced to each character without knowing how they'll be reintroduced throughout the film.

The Hitchcock influence comes to mind about halfway through because while you can't see how this might happen to you, there's a sense that it could happen to anyone, except the dire life each character lives isn't one you'd aspire to. I read that the film was to be named "Nowhere Man". Indeed, "aren't they a bit like you and me".

The movie is a slow burn but just as you think the movie is settling in a plot twist happens that threatens the mission and you think, "oh no! What are they going to do now?" This happens often enough that you're kept off balance. Is what you see and what you hear, what you saw and what you heard? Again the Hitchcock card played very well. You get invested and you root for them.

And so, as the movie concludes, you are "with" the characters, not entirely sure they'll survive. There's an element that a happy ending isn't guaranteed. In the end, nothing really changes for anyone. Nobody is carried off into the sunset or wins a million dollars. This extraordinary film ends with the same ordinary people it began with. It's amazing how deep you can get by only scratching the surface.

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.