The Watch, originally named, “Neighborhood Watch”, brings you a star comedy cast playing the roles of the protectors of a neighborhood which seems to be under the attack of sinister aliens who are here with the most stereotypical motive, to destroy the human race.
Plot: When a security guard of Evan’s (Stiller) Costco store is murdered, he tries his best to find out about the killer. But since the police seem to be least interested in investigating, he decides to form a watch with three other neighborhood friends of his, Bob (Vaughn), Franklin (Hill), and Jamarcus (Ayoade). Together, they come across some spooky evidence that tells them that the murderer of the security guard is probably some extra-terrestrial beings from whom they would now have to save their town, Glenview.
One would automatically expect a certain level of comic timing and slapstick dialogues when it comes to comedians like
Ben Stiller
and
Vince Vaughn
who have delivered some amazing comic performances in many other movies. However, this movie fails to hit the mark as it seems to be trying too hard. Many plot points like the back-stories of the members of the watch, especially Evan’s sterility and also how none of them took the job of being the neighborhood watch seriously until they came across aliens, seem to be pushed in just for a few more laughs, but in turn just gets awkward.
The screenplay by
Seth Rogen
and
Evan Goldberg
could have achieved so much more than a few breaks and spurts of funny actions. The efforts of the actors are commendable as they try their best to piece together this story, but their chemistry is very fragile and often goes haywire. Apart from the clichéd portrayal of how slimy and disgusting aliens are and how they can only come to earth for one reason only, there are many elements that are too predictable and yawn-induci
Verdict: To this movie, which tries its best to be funny by using as much offensive language as it can, but still cannot seem to be able to make rightful use of its great cast’s talents, I give The Watch, 2 out of 5 victories.