The Watch
When the night watchman of a local Costco is mysteriously skinned alive while on duty the head manager of the store, Evan (Ben Stiller), is determined to get to the bottom of things. With the city’s police department overrun with other problems Evan decides it’s time to assemble the Neighborhood Watch. A small but eclectic mix of men answer the call, man’s man Bob (Vince Vaughn), a militant nut case Franklin (Jonah Hill), and the reserved divorcee, Jamarcus (Richard Ayoade). Each dealing with their own personal baggage they’re an odd bunch; but, oddly enough this boy’s club of sorts might just have what it takes to solve some crimes, and bigger yet– fight extraterrestrial foes in the process. But ultimately how will earth make out?
Situationally predictable and a bit tired script wise, we clearly have a funny bunch of fellows who were allowed to riff and improvise in ludicrous ways, but sadly the magic just never comes together. Ultimately, I didn’t laugh as much as I wanted to, and I actually had some mild hopes here, insert a sad trombone here. Production values all feel well budgeted, and the overall product looks slick, again, I just wish I didn’t feel quite so let down in the laugh department. Maybe a matinee but really more of a rental. The Watch is rated R.