Image from filmofilia.com
On July 27th, The Watch premiered, which stars Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill, and Richard Ayoade. Jared Stern, Seth Rogen, and Evan Goldberg wrote the film’s screenplay. The comedy involves a neighborhood watch battling an alien invasion in a suburban area. During their battle and investigation of the suspicious neighborhood activities are a medley of penis jokes and other outrageous antics.
Ben Stiller’s character, Evan, is a very involved man; he founded many of the activities in his neighborhood. Evan is the manager of the local Costco. After Costco’s night guard is murdered, Evan makes a plea to his community to join his neighborhood watch. At the first meeting he meets Bob, Franklin, and Jamarcus, who are played by Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill, and Richard Ayoade. The three join the neighborhood watch for various reasons. Bob, who is a father and construction worker, joins for some excitement. Franklin, who was rejected from the Police Academy, is looking for some action. Jamarcus joins in hopes that he will have sex with his fantasy woman–a lonely and attractive Asian woman.
This neighborhood watch is made up of various personalities. It is clear from the first meeting that Evan’s agenda is different from his group. Ayoade plays Jamarcus with a calm demeanor that is quite funny. Stiller plays Evan with a rigid and serious attitude, that makes his character more paradoxical. Vaughn plays Bob with excitement; and despite Bob’s outlandish he is a wise man. Hill plays Franklin with a mix of both excitable and serious. Franklin could be seen as a psychopath because of his collection of arms and rejection from the Police Academy.
This is another dirty comedy, filled with sexual references, mostly of the penis kind. This isn’t a fresh cinematic idea, nor is it a comedic masterpiece. However, I found the characters to be likeable and funny. The plot is simple and a bit predictable. The film has received many negative reviews. Yet, on a summer night with one of my closest friends I found it to be an enjoyable experience.