The Watch - Review
The new ensemble comedy The Watch is plenty of filthy-minded sci-fi comedy gold, even when the characters are sometimes lacking. The script and improvisation rarely falter, and Ben Stiller delivers his best film performance in years.
Evan (Ben Stiller) is the manager of his local Costco, and after one of the security guards is killed and left skinless, he decides to form a neighborhood watch to find the killer. Bob (Vince Vaughn), Franklin (Jonah Hill), and Jamarcus (Richard Ayoade) show up at his door, and from there on both chaos and hilarity ensues.
For the most part, the fast-paced dialogue works quite well and meets the fine line between awkward and hysterical. It’s not surprising in the least that Seth Rogen helped to write the script because much of the dialogue sounds like it came right out of his mouth. You’d be hard-pressed to find a comedy containing more penis jokes, that’s for sure. It might turn off some people, but those who like their comedies hard-R won’t take issue with the vulgarities.
The cast has some killer chemistry. Vince Vaughn gets the majority of the raunchiest material, and he is pretty phenomenal, as I rarely find myself enjoying his performances. Ben Stiller, who I always like but rarely find him as funny as he used to be, wasn’t phoning in his performance at all; rather, he’s a great contrast for the other members of the watch. Jonah Hill plays badass all to well, and up-and-comer Richard Ayoade brings a little British flavor into stealing many of his scenes.
I’m sure many people are wondering about the special effects or worried about how ridiculous the aliens come into play. Actually, it’s all rather tastefully done. The aliens don’t look cartoonish by any means and look a bit like the ones from District 9, only scary. The effects are seamless in the film and it rarely looks like CGI was used. Akiva (of Lonely Island fame) directed the picture, which comes as no surprise considering the trio has a rather ridiculous cameo in the middle-section.
Not since Evolution has the combination of sci-fi aliens and comedy found such harmony. The Watch isn’t a perfect movie, but as a popcorn comedy flick it’s a blast to watch. / Rating: B+
