| The Watcher |
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| Rating: Mixed Distributor: Universal Pictures MPAA Classification: R Running Length: 1 hour, 37 minutes U.S. Release Date: September 8th, 2000 (wide) Genre: Thriller, Drama Director: Joe Charbanic Cast: James Spader, Keanu Reaves, Marisa Tomei, Ernie Hudson, and Jenny McShane. |
| Plot: Joel Campbell (James Spader) is a thoroughly depressed, heavily medicated police officer who has to stop a mass murderer. David Griffin (Keanu Reaves). The murderer studies his victims, and is careful with his work. He moved to Chicago from Los Angeles, after Joel moved there. He found that Joel is the only cop who can really challenge him. He has a sort of off beat respect for the man. Joel is on disibillity as the movie opens, but decides to join the case against the murderer once he feels he has no other choice. One of his main motivating factors is that Griffin sends Campbell photos of the women he is going to kill next one day before he does it. |
| Plot: The Watcher is an enjoyable, often fascinating cat and mouse thriller. Although it is not a great film, it is engrossing, and keeps you interested for its duration. The acting is not top of the line by any means, but it is more than satisfactory. James Spader, who seems to have a knack for picking films that critics hate (this one and Supernova) does alright in the lead. He is not a versatile actor, but can perform within his arena. Keanu Reaves, who pulls a major roll reversal is surprisingly effective as the murderer. The mood, with a little aid from above average cinematography and direction, casts a spell of a dark city in need of some coherence. The film is fast paced, with enough surprises, twists and turns to keep the viewer attached. Although The Watcher is not an original basic plot, it feels different due to some surprising moves. Those include Reaves as the villian, and a total lack of any cliches. The ending is very smart in its attempt to leave any silly cliches in the dust. There are some action sequences that are very good, and should hold your attention. One of the films major flaws however, are some static characters. There is no emotional depth, or well rounded people. They just play pawns in an interesting game. In conclusion, The Watcher is a surprisingly effective thriller with no cliches, and a lot of exciting, action packed sequences. The mood is gripping, and fascinating from start to finish. The film however, is not all good because the characters are not very deep, and there is no emotional intimacy. Nonetheless, this film is worth your time. review by supernothingman |
| 1/2 |