The Watcher [Region 2] | ![The Watcher [Region 2]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51H3RYVM5XL._SL500_.jpg)
| Director: Joe Charbanic
Actors: James Spader, Keanu Reeves, Marisa Tomei, Ernie Hudson, Chris Ellis
Category: DVD
This item is no longer available
Rating:  109 reviews
Format: PAL
Languages: French (Subtitled), French (Original Language), English (Original Language)
Rating: R (Restricted)
Region: 2
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Running Time: 97 Minutes
EAN: 3384442010610
ASIN: B00005NBNL
Theatrical Release Date: September 8, 2000
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
James Spader stars as Joel Campbell, a former detective traumatized by the death of his lover at the hands of a serial killer he'd been hunting--a psychopath who has taken their combative relationship a little too personally, and has now tracked the retired Campbell down in Chicago. The killer, who methodically studies his victims before killing them, starts sending Campbell photographs of prospective victims and gives him a day to find them before they're killed. Campbell rises to the challenge, returns to his role as detective, and launches a comprehensive manhunt for the killer and the women in the photographs. The Watcher is surprisingly watchable--though it does suffer from an excessive use of arty cinematography. But while the psychological interpretation of the killer's behavior is a little too schematic to be convincing, the portrayal of Campbell is quite strong, particularly due to Spader's performance. A much-underrated actor, Spader is lean and efficient in his portrayal, rarely given to flashy histrionics, but compelling and emotionally complex. Unfortunately, the killer is played by Keanu Reeves; and though Reeves isn't as terrible an actor as some critics may say, he's out of his depth here. Still, Spader carries most of the movie, and the sequences in which the police are trying to track down the victims are nicely suspenseful--in fact, the movie is overall more interested in suspense than gore, making it a pleasant change from most contemporary thrillers. Also starring Marisa Tomei as Campbell's psychiatrist and budding romantic interest. --Bret Fetzer
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 109
Would not watch it again January 12, 2010
DV6740 (New Jersey, USA)
Some parts of the film were great, other parts not so great, and the acting was bland for the most part. Keanu Reeves is the most bland and boring of all. James Spader does a decent job, with what he has to work with. The dialogue and delivery is often stiff and unnatural.
I had a good laugh in the beginning watching Keanu Reeves' character doing some lame dance along to a dance version of Rob Zombie's Dragula. That was hysterical. They brought Zombie back later with "How to Make a Monster" and I guess that was an attempt to help emphasize some horrific, monster-like quality of Reeves' character which didn't really exist. His portrayal of a serial killer was pretty comical. I didn't buy it. Maybe it would have helped if there had been more character development or back story.
As for the production, it's pretty good. The camera work is good, action is good, excellent car chase scene, and some great effects. And the soundrack was good. The music and scoring worked well with the film and was practically invisible throughout, which is the way it should be.
In all The Watcher wasn't a super bad film, just could have been improved upon. I don't know if I'll watch it again. Maybe I will give it a second chance.
 Good sound track-poor suspense and acting January 7, 2010
Matthew O. Jones (Eugene Ore USA)
Someone reccomended this to me cause I like scary suspense movies. A good suspense movie takes an art of proper speeding and slowing down the action in conjunction with the visual effects and things like that. Pretty much not done real well her. Acting not too good either. Does have a pretty good 5.1 track for those with home theatre.
 pretty good June 1, 2009
Travis J. Riddle (Lake Havasu City)
I didn't think keanu reeves could pull off this role but he did great this is a good movie
thriller April 16, 2009
Anthony J. Marzullo (Lebanon, MO USA)
This is an excellent thriller movie. Enjoyed it very much. Great performances by Keanu Reeves and James Spader and Marisa Tomei
Alright March 21, 2009
Harold Edward Wills (Hagerstown, Maryland USA)
The only thing this movie has going for it is the HD
Showing reviews 1-5 of 109
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