End of Watch

Filmmaker David Ayer's gritty LAPD procedural stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Brian Taylor, a police officer who always carries a handheld HD camera and wears a mic in his uniform. Taylor is taking pre-law classes and—for his art elective—is surreptitiously making a documentary about law enforcement in the South Central precinct, melodramatically emphasizing that “beyond my badge is a heart like yours.” At his side is his loyal Mexican-American partner, Officer Mike “Z” Zavala (Michael Pena). Their arrogant attitude upon returning to the force from leave after grabbing headlines for killing two perps in the line of duty draws resentment from two, no-nonsense female cops (America Ferrera, Cody Horn), among others. Episodic in structure, Ayer and his “shaky-cam” cinematographer have created an intricate character study of men whose lives are not just intertwined but also interdependent, as they cruise around in their squad car, gulping Red Bull and dealing with domestic disputes and foul-mouthed hoodlums. The pair banter and tease each other mercilessly, even when they're hanging out with Zavala's pregnant wife (Natalie Martinez) and Taylor's “badge bunny” (Anna Kendrick). A trail of drugs, guns, and money will eventually lead them into a climactic encounter with street gangs and a rising Mexican cartel in this insightful and intense buddy cop film. Recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by writer-director David Ayer, deleted scenes (47 min.), five behind-the-scenes featurettes (10 min. total), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is the BD-Live function, as well as bonus DVD, digital, and UltraViolet copies of the film. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a solid buddy cop drama.] (S. Granger)