27. End Of Watch (2012)

Sometimes I don't know when you're kidding. And I have to know when you're kidding.

#27. End of Watch (2012)

In the number 27 slot on the list of my 100 Favorite Films of All Time is the 2012 action thriller film, End of Watch. End of Watch was directed by David Ayer and stars Michael Pena and Jake Gyllenhaal with supporting performances from Anna Kendrick, Natalie Martinez, David Harbour, and Cle Shaheed Sloan.

When watching End of Watch, you will feel an array of emotions. At times you’ll feel triumphant and pumped up when you see Officers Taylor and Zavala make a drug bust. You’ll feel anxious when you see the two officers respond to a call where David Harbours character has been stabbed through the eye with a knife. Then, you’ll ultimately feel sad when the two lead officers get ambushed and how Zavala covers Taylor and saves his life while sacrificing himself. That’s what makes this movie so great though. The different emotions that David Ayer makes you feel is second to none.

One of my favorite scenes is at the start of End of Watch when Zavala accepts a one on one fist fight with a member of the Bloods and once the fight concludes, he doesn’t charge the gang member with assault. This leads to the gang member respecting the two officers and he’s the one who later warns the two that they’ve been “green lit” by the cartel. An aspect of the film that I do love is how it’s shot. Part of the films footage is from the camera that Taylor carries around for his college course. It’s an interesting way to shoot a movie, kind of like Project X where there’s a “found footage” angle.