End of Watch: Blu Ray Review

End of Watch: Blu Ray Review

Rating: R18
Released by Roadshow Home Entertainment

Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena star as a pair of South LA cops in this blistering drama set on the streets.

The duo are tight and have a powerful bond; but as the film begins, they're both heading back to duty after being cleared in an investigation into a shooting. Gyllenhaal's character, Taylor, is a young brash cop, who's taken to taping everything on the street as part of a study degree which means they capture everything going down in their world - from the camaraderie between the pair, to the horror of the gangs and the violent offenders.

But, when the duo cross a drug cartel on a routine stop, their worlds are blown apart and they face the possibility of not getting to the end of their watch.

Gritty, unrelenting and unflinching, its initial hand held style takes a little getting used to, but once you do, you're captivated from beginning to bloody end. Gyllenhaal and Pena are a great pair, and demonstrate a close bond as they show the real face of front line policing but it's their camaraderie which shines through the unrelenting offensiveness.

Sure, there are plot holes - like why are the gangs taping everything as well as the police on handhelds, but despite the flaws of the film, End of Watch stands on the work done by Pena, Gyllenhaal and Anna Kendrick as Taylor's girlfriend. You have to commit 100% to this gritty film and are rewarded for doing so with one of the best and most realistic police movies in the past few years.

Extras: Deleted scenes, behind the scenes and commentary

Rating: