Watch The Watch
- R
- 2012
-
5.7 (133,982)
The Watch is a 2012 American science-fiction comedy film directed by Akiva Schaffer and stars Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill, and Richard Ayoade. The story revolves around a group of four middle-aged men who form a neighborhood watch group as an excuse to escape their mundane lives. However, their plans are put on hold when they stumble upon an alien invasion plot in their own suburban neighborhood.
Evan (Ben Stiller) is a manager at a local Costco and the member of the community who takes his job as a neighborhood watch captain very seriously. After one of his employees is murdered on the job, Evan decides to form a neighborhood watch group as a way to prevent any more harm from coming to his beloved community. Bob (Vince Vaughn) is a dad and husband who is looking for an excuse to get out of the house and away from his wife. Franklin (Jonah Hill) is a reclusive and socially awkward man who desperately wants to be a part of something bigger than himself. Lastly, there is Jamarcus (Richard Ayoade), a British exchange student who is new to the neighborhood.
Initially, the plans for the neighborhood watch group involve harmless practices such as taking the group to the local bar for drinks and talking about their favorite action films. However, while on patrol, they discover that their neighborhood has been infiltrated by aliens who are disguised as humans. When they bring their concerns to the local police, their claims are dismissed, and they are told to stop their vigilantism. But the group refuses to give up and is determined to protect their community from the alien threat, even if it means breaking a few rules.
The Watch offers a unique blend of comedy and science-fiction. The film's humor often derives from the character's eccentricities and their interactions with one another. The cast has excellent chemistry, and their conversations feel natural and unscripted. The jokes never feel forced or predictable, and the humor is a refreshing departure from typical buddy comedies.
While the humor is the film's main draw, The Watch also offers a creative and thrilling science-fiction plot. The group's battle with the aliens heavily relies on practical effects and prosthetics. The aliens' design is both unique and terrifying, and their plan is more layered than initially meets the eye. The film's special effects are excellent, and the humor never distracts from the action.
The Watch is an entertaining and unique comedy film that delivers on both comedy and science-fiction fronts. The talented cast, strong chemistry, and unique premise make it a standout addition to the buddy comedy genre. The film's blend of humor and action makes it a perfect pick for a night of light-hearted entertainment.
The Watch is a 2012 comedy. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7 and a MetaScore of 36.