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The Watcher (2000) Universal Pictures 1 hr. 32 mins. Starring: James Spader, Keanu Reeves and Marisa Tomei Directed by: Joe Charbanic 
The Watcher Rating:  
E-MAIL GIANCARLO DE LISI It seems as if Keanu Reeves was supposed to draw people to the theatres taking on a somewhat different role from his conventional hero type roles. Evidently, this was not the case. The film did open at the top of the box office, but with a measly 8 million dollars. Which pales in comparison to the 20 or 30 million dollar openings associated with major players in the Hollywood scene. That said, Keanu relieves himself of his ‘Whoa” gimmick and transforms himself into a serial killer wreaking havoc in Chicago. The script is weak, the acting lame, and the clichés are rampant. But, the film still manages to hold it’s own in what seems to be a film that possesses all the characteristics of a bad serial killer movie. Gas stations blow up, cars crash and people die, never really making us wonder why. This film is simply an exploration of the serial killer genre with a new twist; a pretty boy is the killer. It is not a disfigured, mask-wearing, charm less man who does the killings, it is Mr. Matrix himself, Keanu Reeves. Spader seems to attempt a new Hollywood career as his fizzled in the early 90’s with personal problems and lackluster films. And Marisa Tomei as well is housed in this thriller that seems to want to give new life to actors. But the focus is entirely on Reeves as he torments FBI detective Spader as Reeves takes a picture of his next victim and gives Spader a certain amount of time to find her. Resulting in a cross-town search that seems completely unrealistic. I will be honest, this film has many flaws, and I would not want to watch it again. But, despite all the clichés and flaws within the film, Charbanic crafts an intriguing little thriller that will maintain a viewer’s attention for 90 minutes. As unrealistic and clichéd as it may seem, it still is worth a look if there is nothing left in the video store. The film visually looks great, Charbanic working on a miniscule budget makes this film seem as if it is a big-budget picture, and seems to know that there are plenty of holes in the script. He puts that aside never taking the viewer for an idiot and force-feeding the inconsistencies to us. Instead, he knows there are gaps, but still attempts at managing to put together a well made film that will hold your attention. Be forewarned though, the climax is the cheesiest, most silliest climax I have seen in years, and ultimately hurts the film in getting past its’ silliness. It seemed as if Charbanic was preparing us for the climax throughout the film with its’ inconsistencies and plot holes. Yet, what is important is that it manages to capture your attention for the 90 minutes and makes you look forward to a silly climax that ends in mere seconds. Lastly, view how the antagonist and protagonist come together to save a distressed woman in peril as both killer and detective drive graciously in conversation through the streets of Chicago to the climactic scene. That scene in itself adds further fact that the filmmakers were not focused on reality, but simply at making the film seem a subtle ‘over-the-top’ in terms of the take on the serial killer movies. Not a great film, not a bad film, but the kind of movie one rents when there is nothing left to rent. Click here to comment on this review or post your own thoughts. Giancarlo De Lisi © TheWorldJournal.com |
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