Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena star in this realistic, gritty, cop thriller. Before I actually begin the review; I want to say that this movie is pretty difficult to judge; and I think the bottom line comes right down to personal opinion.
Now, for those who don't know; this movie is filmed in the "home-movie" / "Documentary" style of filming. For those who still don't understand, the entire movie is seen through cameras within the movie. Officer Brian Taylor (Jake Gyllenhaal) is 'documenting' his life as a cop with a small camera attached to his police uniform collar. He also carries a large video camera around with him as he and his partner, Mike (Michael Pena) enter houses and make arrests. Although you still get many different views of the scenes, this way of filming results in lots of shakiness to insure realism. (And they do a pretty good job at it, too). This very element can decide whether someone likes the movie or not. I've heard and read people's comments on the matter, and here are what they usually are:
"This way of filming is very annoying. It is unrealistic and the constant shakiness of the cameras give me a headache."
"It's hard to get used to, but once you do, you almost begin to believe that it's real. It seems you are basically watching a home movie."
"This way of filming is kind of stupid. It is a horrible attempt at making the movie seem realistic and enticing."
"I love the way they shot the movie. It makes it all the more intense."
As you can see, it depends on whether or not the style of the movie appeals to you. If it does, or if you can get used to it; then I believe we are looking at a pretty good movie here. One of the best of it's kind, for sure. As I already said, this movie is very realistic, and in my opinion the filming style makes it very intense, as if you are there watching it in person. When I first started watching the movie, it seemed a little silly. Officer Brian Taylor was explaining his documentation, he was trying to get his buddy Mike in the view of the camera, and there was constant banter and friendly cursing between the two. Right away one might think, "Well here we have a couple of close friends that are immature and annoying." Which is exactly how you might view a scene like that in real life. But that is merely the beginning of it. The first half of the film is focused on the partners and their friendship. Although there is some sexual references in the movie and a couple of 'gay' jokes. As the movie deepens, and the teasing and jokes between the two cops continue, you truly begin to see how close they really are. It's as if you are watching the life of two friends in real life. At first glance, you view them as immature as they poke at eachother with jokes; but with the camera's rolling within the movie, you get to see that they are basically brothers, and it feels very genuine. After the connection between the viewers and the movie establishes, the movie starts to get crazy...
The actual plot is this: Officers Brian and Mike discover a secret connected to the Mexican drug cartels, and then someone orders them to be killed by a mexican gang. It is simple, yet believable. The two cops continue their un-authorized investigation; unaware of the danger they are in. They end up shooting out with the antagonists, but I cease to say any more so as not to spoil the movie in this review. The action is very realistic, and very gruesome. There is also some disturbing content / images in this movie that should result in no one under the age of sixteen viewing this movie.
MILD SPOILER BELOW
This movie is also very tragic. Again; I can't fully explain, but don't expect any fake happy endings, and if you cry easily, grab a box of tissues before you watch this. I'm pretty heart-hard when it comes to sad movies, but I must admit this one nearly had me in tears. The ending is also a somewhat controversial element of the movie. I've heard people say it's stupid and was really dissapointing, but I believe it's part of the movie that makes up the whole of it.
MILD SPOILER ABOVE
In conclusion: We have a very good movie here; containing action, tragedy, and even some comedy. It makes a good discussion film, but whether you like it or not comes down to personal opinion.
Now, for those who don't know; this movie is filmed in the "home-movie" / "Documentary" style of filming. For those who still don't understand, the entire movie is seen through cameras within the movie. Officer Brian Taylor (Jake Gyllenhaal) is 'documenting' his life as a cop with a small camera attached to his police uniform collar. He also carries a large video camera around with him as he and his partner, Mike (Michael Pena) enter houses and make arrests. Although you still get many different views of the scenes, this way of filming results in lots of shakiness to insure realism. (And they do a pretty good job at it, too). This very element can decide whether someone likes the movie or not. I've heard and read people's comments on the matter, and here are what they usually are:
"This way of filming is very annoying. It is unrealistic and the constant shakiness of the cameras give me a headache."
"It's hard to get used to, but once you do, you almost begin to believe that it's real. It seems you are basically watching a home movie."
"This way of filming is kind of stupid. It is a horrible attempt at making the movie seem realistic and enticing."
"I love the way they shot the movie. It makes it all the more intense."
As you can see, it depends on whether or not the style of the movie appeals to you. If it does, or if you can get used to it; then I believe we are looking at a pretty good movie here. One of the best of it's kind, for sure. As I already said, this movie is very realistic, and in my opinion the filming style makes it very intense, as if you are there watching it in person. When I first started watching the movie, it seemed a little silly. Officer Brian Taylor was explaining his documentation, he was trying to get his buddy Mike in the view of the camera, and there was constant banter and friendly cursing between the two. Right away one might think, "Well here we have a couple of close friends that are immature and annoying." Which is exactly how you might view a scene like that in real life. But that is merely the beginning of it. The first half of the film is focused on the partners and their friendship. Although there is some sexual references in the movie and a couple of 'gay' jokes. As the movie deepens, and the teasing and jokes between the two cops continue, you truly begin to see how close they really are. It's as if you are watching the life of two friends in real life. At first glance, you view them as immature as they poke at eachother with jokes; but with the camera's rolling within the movie, you get to see that they are basically brothers, and it feels very genuine. After the connection between the viewers and the movie establishes, the movie starts to get crazy...
The actual plot is this: Officers Brian and Mike discover a secret connected to the Mexican drug cartels, and then someone orders them to be killed by a mexican gang. It is simple, yet believable. The two cops continue their un-authorized investigation; unaware of the danger they are in. They end up shooting out with the antagonists, but I cease to say any more so as not to spoil the movie in this review. The action is very realistic, and very gruesome. There is also some disturbing content / images in this movie that should result in no one under the age of sixteen viewing this movie.
MILD SPOILER BELOW
This movie is also very tragic. Again; I can't fully explain, but don't expect any fake happy endings, and if you cry easily, grab a box of tissues before you watch this. I'm pretty heart-hard when it comes to sad movies, but I must admit this one nearly had me in tears. The ending is also a somewhat controversial element of the movie. I've heard people say it's stupid and was really dissapointing, but I believe it's part of the movie that makes up the whole of it.
MILD SPOILER ABOVE
In conclusion: We have a very good movie here; containing action, tragedy, and even some comedy. It makes a good discussion film, but whether you like it or not comes down to personal opinion.