What would you do if you saw a crime happen and knew no one would believe you? Would you go to the police or try to solve the crime yourself? That’s the basic premise behind Neighborhood Watch, the story behind Neighborhood Watch. Simon (Jack Quaid) witnesses a girl being kidnapped and tries to report it, but the evidence isn’t adding up and no one believes him because he has a mental disorder. Simon partners with his neighbor Ed (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) to try to unravel the mystery, but they may have bitten off more than they can chew.
The movie pairs together two very different and complex personality types, but an unlikely friendship begins to form through their investigation and working together. Quaid, still playing the every lovable quirky guy with a bit of a problem plays the role well, and with the help of the CGI to show his psychosis in real time, the movie sells the health problems. And contrastingly, Dean’s character may come off as gruff and one of authority, but his own problems and past may be more of an issue than any on the DSM-5 list.
Despite the talent in the movie, Neighborhood watch just seems to be missing something. I’m not sure if it’s pacing, or just a lack of something to grab you and keep you in the story. It is nice to see both Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Jack Quaid in different roles, even if they are just lightly off brand from other characters they have played recently. The chemistry between the two actors is actually believable and the dynamic is undeniable. It just seems like there should be something more to it than there actually was.
Neighborhood watch is currently playing in theaters nationwide.
Overall Rating
About Neighborhood Watch
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH is written by Sean Farley and produced by Luke Daniels, Greg Lauritano, Vince Jolivette, Chris Bellant, Kurt Fethke, and Jake Robinson. The deal was negotiated by Mark Ward and Brandon Harmer of RLJE Films with the filmmakers.