Culture Magazine

The Watcher (2000)

By Newguy

logoDirector: Joe Charbanic

Writer: David Elliot, Clay Ayers (Screenplay) Darcy Meyers, David Elliot (Story)

Starring: James Spader, Marisa Tomei, Keanu Reeves, Ernie Hudson, Chris Ellis

 

Plot: FBI agent Joel Campbell (Spader) spent years trying to catch serial killer David Allen Griffin (Reeves). After never being able to catch him Joel retires and moves to Chicago. Joel is have psychiatric therapy to help him deal with what he has had to cope with, until David finds him and wants to carry on playing the cat and mouse games they started in LA.

 

Verdict: A good cat and mouse thriller

Story: I like a good cat and mouse thriller and this one doesn’t want to hold back on the killings. Instead of it just being a cop hunting down a killer to save one girl he tries and fails to save multiple girls. The killer’s obsession with Joel makes the killings more of a game to him, which gives him power. Even though the story feels good it isn’t very intense which some of the scenes need to be. (7/10)

 

Actor Review: James Spader – Former FBI agent Joel, struggling to cope after losing someone to the killer but can’t escape from him. It is a good performance from Spader as he keeps calm and alert in the scenes will others panic. (8/10)

 

spader

Actor Review: Keanu Reeves – The killer who watches his victim before killing them. Keanu in a villainous role, well he is a cold hearted killer and pulls it off very well. Maybe it is time for him to change the roles he plays. (8/10)

keanu

Actor Review: Marisa Tomei – Therapist trying to help Joel and eventually becomes David’s target. In what little scenes she is in she does well but doesn’t get enough screen time. (6/10)

 

girl

Director Review: Joe CharbanicCreates enough to make you feel like you want to see what happens but doesn’t give us enough intensity. (6/10)

 

Crime: Good crime levels throughout. (8/10)

Thriller: keeps you near the edge of your seat but not as close as it could. (8/10)

Chemistry: David believes he has a great chemistry in the games with Joel and it shows through the film. (8/10)

Believability: Some killers have been known to taunt the Police FBI so could be seen as believable. (4/10)

Chances of Tears: No (0/10)

Settings: Chicago makes a good backdrop for the film and some good scenes used but doesn’t offer anything to the story. (7/10)

Suggestion: I like to see a actor play an opposite role we are used to seeing so if you like that this is one to see. If you are just looking for a good thriller this may not reach the levels you will require for full enjoyment but I say Try It. (Try It)

 

Best Part: David follows Joel.

Action Scene Of The Film: The first warehouse foot and car chase.

Oscar Chances: No

Chances of Sequel: No

 

Overall: An enjoyable thriller

Rating 

76


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