Neighborhood Watch (2025)

Neighborhood Watch (2025)

Yet another film with Jack Quaid! He has a knack for getting on my nerves, but I do like him, despite everything!!!

Yes, let’s admit it: the son of Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan, and nephew of Randy Quaid, does have quite a talent for acting. I rather disliked Novocaine (2025), but quite enjoyed Companion (also 2025). He was in Scream 5 (2022), which isn’t one of the best in the franchise, but it’s still good. And surprisingly for a superhero fan, I must admit I’ve never watched the series The Boys. Let’s not forget that he made his debut in a minor role in The Hunger Games (2012).

I don’t think I knew Cecile Cubiló or Jim Klock before this film. On the other hand, what a pleasure it was to see Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Malin Akerman (Malin Maria Åkerman) – both excellent – reunited on screen once again, sixteen years after Watchmen (2009). Yes, it’s amusing! After Watchmen, Neighbourhood Watch!

There are elements in this film that really reminded me of Stephen King. In fact, it’s the voices in the main character’s head. They remind me so much of the lines often written in italics in quite a few novels by the grand master of horror.

That said, these voices are quite irritating, but it’s an aspect of the film that’s very well done. If we can’t stand having voices in our heads for the duration of a film, how can we possibly imagine what these people go through every day? This film gives us a glimpse into the horror of these mental illnesses. You can’t understand someone if you don’t know exactly what they’re going through. It’s much easier to judge than to be empathetic.

A film I wasn’t particularly keen to see… and yet, compared to all the rubbish I’ve seen recently, this one is far superior! I had a good laugh, because this unlikely duo works really well. The two Js: Jack & Jeffrey! They’re brilliant together. There are some rather irritating scenes and moments, but by the end, I had tears in my eyes. After having a good laugh, I was really moved.

Unfortunately, we don’t see much of Akerman, but she’s a joy to watch in this role.

The story is beautiful and touching. The ending isn’t overdone and doesn’t drag on. The humour is very good, relatively subtle and understated.

Mental health issues are hell for those who experience them. They have to learn to live with them, find compromises and coping mechanisms, but also deal with people who don’t believe them or who simply dismiss them as mad. After all, that’s much easier than getting involved or showing compassion.

If anything, there’s no nail-biting suspense. There’s blood, but nothing gory. The investigation isn’t thrilling, but it’s still quite interesting. The duo aren’t a Starsky & Hutch or Tango & Cash-style cop duo… but it’s a chance to think back to those duos we loved, like Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman or Dolph Lundgren and Brandon Lee!

This isn’t an action film, nor a horror thriller, nor a romantic comedy-drama. But I can’t help but recommend it! A good 2025 film.