The Watch

“I will get your name in due course”

Vaughn, Stiller, Hill: three HUGE comedic names, all of which I’m a big fan of. Add an interesting, somewhat funny Englishman to the mix (I now know who he is; Richard Ayoade. Back then, I hadn't a clue. Thank you, Caboose!), and you have the Neighborhood Watch. If you were as dumb as I was, you’d expect the above contributors to add an extra spark to the comedy genre, as well as a somewhat refreshing, humorous experience to boot. Trailers and clips alike boosted the films excitement value, to a point where I was seriously looking forward the ‘The Watch’, laughing a little each time it appeared on television.

In an unfortunate turn of events, the ensemble cast of comedic studs, are all extremely dry. The quote at the top is perhaps the funniest line in the entire flick, and guess what, the big three have nothing to do with it. Ben Stiller, is, I hate to say it, the absolute worst of every actor here. I adore his on-screen presence in everything he’s ever appeared in, so I actually felt somewhat sad during this. None of his dialogue, with the exception of a scene of him humming some sounds, works on any level. On a positive note, Vince Vaughn shows he can still provide some laughs, however you won’t be shocked at that revelation, as he plays the same exact character as always. That doesn’t change my love for him, though. Jonah Hill has some OK bits, but overall is very underutilized.

One of the biggest problems of the film is the absolutely lethargic storyline. Everyone, save some young viewers, will most likely find themselves bored half way through, perhaps even sooner. There just isn’t nearly enough interesting going on. I saw desperate actors yearning for their paycheck, which is shown very clear here. If the storyline, of four adult men defending their small town from an alien invasion, was perhaps differentiated with a different ensemble cast, comedic gold could’ve been made. Look at ‘Attack the Block’ or ‘Shaun of the Dead’. Two well-done horror-comedies, also two movies ‘The Watch’ should’ve learned from before production. Going back to the story, which has lately been utilized a lot, with thoughts of the apocalypse looming, seems kind of like a backdrop in this flick, opposed to a full fledged plot line. You are only vaguely introduced to the actual aliens, with the exception of a few scenes. In addition, every scene featuring said aliens, are all portrayed with such carelessness, bordering on unintentional hilarity. It’s a major disappointment, seeing as each actor has loads of talent, and the story in itself had the opportunity to really work.

To conclude, ‘The Watch’ is one of the biggest letdowns so far this year. I had high hopes for it, rushed to the theatre on opening day, and walked out with a feeling of complete emptiness. Its almost sickening to think just how different it could’ve been. Having said all of that, some of the movie is very watchable. Its just outweighed by the negative.

4.7/10