Neighborhood Watch

Simplicity sometimes works.

If you're expecting a big plot movie, this isn't the one to watch.

If you're expecting something well-acted, effective, and capable, it's more possible... it's this way.

It's entertaining, and I honestly didn't find it boring. It's not very fast-paced, but it's quite human. It doesn't have much comedy, and it deals with less-than-sympathetic topics. I don't think it's meant to be cool or funny, but there are a few gags that fit the bill.

I liked it, and I recommend it as a worthy movie... after that, everyone makes their own choices. It's quite close; the duo between them works very well.

If I would describe Neighborhood Watch as an overall movie in one word, it would be... regular? It's a very regular movie. But when done right, a regular movie can be highly enjoyable. This is the perfect example of that.

Jack Quaid gives possibly his best performance. He seems perfect for this role of someone suffering from severe mental illness. Jeffrey Dean Morgan also plays his role well. And their on screen chemistry and character dynamics are a big part of why this movie succeeds.

It also helps to have good writing. Several small parts end up coming into play later. Even if it doesn't have a major impact, these callbacks show that they care about making a good movie. And I was emotionally invested in the story and these characters.

(1 viewing, 4/26/2025)

I read someone wrote this was more a drama than a crime/thriller but I can't agree with that. Neighborhood Watch is totally a crime/thriller with some light funny moments. The best thing about it are the main characters played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Jack Quaid. They form the odd couple and for some reason it works perfectly well. Jack Quaid plays the guy with a mental disorder whilst Jeffrey Dean Morgan plays the know-it-all ex security guard believing he's a great detective. The pair together are on a quest of finding a girl that got kidnapped. Their quest is really pleasant to follow as they stumble from one problem to another. A good entertaining movie.

There are elements of this film that really shine. Overall, I liked it. There are a few spots I'd normally nitpick on but Jack Quaids performance (at least to me) was great. I also think Jeffrey Dean Morgan could have done more with his role but the script hampered his performance. Still, he made the most of what was given to him.

The movie is executed well in terms of direction, lighting, cinematography and sound, but the dialogue was wooden at times - the director should have realized that and listened to his actors. This didn't happen often but when it does, you notice it.

Ultimately, it's about a retired cop and a person with mental health issues working out a friendship between them. That is possibly the most appealing aspect of this movie. You'd think it'd be minor thing. But Morgan and Quaid pulled it off!

The movie felt Fargoish which very entertaining. The characters were well defined and believable.

After Simon (who has issues with schizophrenia) reports to the police about the abuction of a women he witnessed. The police didn't take it seriously so he started his own investigation. He sought help from his retired and somewhat disgruntled neighbor. The investigation turned into a bit of comedy of errors but the end result was satifying.

The pair end up forming a bond that would never have happened if not for the abuction of the girl. It was heartfelt.

It is nice to see some great acting from lesser known stars. Kudos to the director, cast, and crew.

I highly recommend it.