You only have to take one look at the writing and director credits on IMDB to see that David Ayer knows Los Angeles, the police department and the crime scene. He wrote screenplays for Dark Blue, Harsh Times and Training Day. He also has written this movie, following two LAPD officers (played by Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña) during their every day activities. This includes routine activities like chasing cars and investigating 911 calls. When they run into someone who is connected to a Mexican cartel their work becomes a lot more dangerous.
It feels like Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña have been on the police squad for years and it really sells the movie. You don’t feel like you are watching two actors playing in a movie, but that you are watching two cops who have been on the job for years. They act natural and joke and tell stories as you’d expect and seem to have a great time when they are rolling around in their squad car. As you hear the personal stories you really start caring for both of them root for them. You feel like you are part of their team and laugh and cry when they do.
This is also thanks to format this movie is shot in. The idea behind the movie is that Gyllenhaal’s character is filming everything the two do. They both have cameras on their bodies and the police car also has tons of them. It’s a format which the movie uses most of the time, unless the story really needs it and reality tv framing is done with another camera. It’s something that some people will point out, but I really didn’t mind it and understand the decision to do it this way. It results in a movie that feels real, gritty and believable. Because of that and the great acting it is one of my favorite movies this year. There is one issue I had with the movie, which was the last scene. I understand why it was included, but it was totally unnecessary. Still, this is a movie you should have given a shot before you make those end of year lists.
I missed this one in theaters and can’t wait to check it out. I heard it was going to be re-released in theaters for a quick stint. we’ll see.
Thanks for reminding me I still need to see it.
You should see it as soon as you can Terrence, it is a stunning film.
I really enjoyed this film too. Very involving story. Great performances from the leads.
Yeah, they were great.
Excellent review here. I really liked this movie as well, was not expecting anything but it really, truly blew me away. Definitely one of the best surprises of the year!
Thanks Alex, I also wasn’t expecting much going in either but was very happily surprised.
The found-footage format weaves in-and-out and seems a bit dumb for the material, but still doesn’t distract us from the pitch-perfect chemistry of these two guys that are as entertaining and interesting to watch as any other cop in recent cop movies. Great review Alex.
I meant Nostra! Sorry about that, I just got done reading Alex Withrow’s comment up-above.
I thought that worked for the movie…it feels fresh for this type of movie.
Excellent review, Nostra! I read that these actors spent a great deal of time doing ride-alongs with the L.A.P.D. whole preparing for these roles. That really earned my respect.
Thank you Stephanie, it is something I read as well and it really shows in the final product.
A solid piece of work and I’m really glad you liked it…was it the best film of the year? Maybe.
I agree with you, it seems that both actors are actually cops, just proves their talent.
Yeah, it wasn’t the best one for me, but very high up there!
Great write-up Nostra. We agree on many things here and the relationship between the leads really worked a treat.
Thanks Mark! Nice to see we agree on this one!
I don’t think I was quite as enthralled with this as you were. While I thought the police in the film were great and the dialogue some of the most realistic I have seen in a long time. The criminal elements in the film seemed a bit one dimensional to me. Still a good movie but probably would not make my top ten this year.
Yeah, the criminals were one dimensional but it didn’t bother me. I was surprised that Ebert mentioned it in his top 10 as I thought he wouldn’t rate it that high, but was happy to see he did.
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