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FBI detective Joel Campbell (James Spader) has spent years in the field tracking down serial killers, but enough is enough, and he now decides to retire and move to Chicago. His arch-enemy, serial killer David Allen Griffin (Keanu Reeves), decides to follow him, and just as Campbell starts settling into his new life, Griffin makes himself known by sending the detective pictures of those he is about to kill. He dares Campbell to find the victims before he kills them, and raises the stakes even further when he makes it clear that his next target will be Campbell's psychiatrist (Marisa Tomei).
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
By H. Trivass
Format:DVD
I always like films where a typecast actor breaks free of their stereotyped roles!!
Well, this is one of the best!!!
Keanu Reeves is brilliant as the psychotic woman killer, who watches his intended victims, getting to know their routine so he knows when they are most vunrable. Then he photo's the woman and sends it to the police telling them they have 24 hours to find the woman before he kills her with piano wire!! (nice!!) The cop in charge of the case (James Spader) has been trying to catch this killer for a long time (he killed his g/friend in the past) so there is a lot of personal anger and revenge boiling inside him!
The cool thing about this film is that the "bad guy" is a major character who you get to meet fairly early on and see him quite a lot (unlike seven where the "bad guy" isn't seen at all until right near the end of the film. The murders in this film are obvious without being graphic (hence the reason it is only a 15 rated film) but it plays more on the suspense and build-up to each murder to get its fear factor!
This is an intelligent film, although the ending is fairly predictable (e.g. the bad guy loses) but the way it ends was very exciting!!!
Another good thing about this film is the relationship between the character played Keanu and James. It is intense and believable and you really start to wonder who really has the upper hand and who really is in charge! they have some electrifing scenes together!
Overall this is a brilliant film, superbly acted (great casting!) and masterfully directed to keep your attention!
A real "sit up and take notice" type of film!
A must see!
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By bagpussfan
Format:DVD
This has got to be the best thriller in quite some time and a great excuse to order a pizza and kick back and forget about the world for a couple of hours. Keanu Reeves is at once chilling and devilishly charming (the scene where he persuades his next victim, the young homeless girl to dance with him is a case in point... that smile is amazing). Mr Reeves has his critics but I honestly think that this movie should make them re think their views. His performance is very difficult to shake off and stays with you long, long after the movie has finished. James Spader is also excellent as the cop faced with catching a serial killer who has made the case very personal. In short then, excellent wee film and excellent cast who all play off each other so well you forget you're watching a movie. As I said, grab a pizza, switch the lights off and settle back to enjoy what has to be one of the best thrillers in recent years.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Fay Jessop
Format:DVD
"The Watcher" is a highly stylised, slickly directed film, which, at an hour and a half seems rather short. However, what you get in that ninety minutes more than justifies the cost of the DVD. Spader and Reeves both give electrifying performances, and it is their onscreen chemistry that carries the movie.
Spader's migraine suffering, burned out, vulnerable ex FBI man Joel Campbell plays wonderfully; he gives the part a depth that would be all too easy to miss had another actor been cast. He is the basket case to Reeves' in-control killer.
Reeves, as serial killer David Allen Griffin shows he can act in this film - it's a radical departure from the Neo/Ted Logan characters, and I haven't seen him in anything this good since "Permanent Record". He is the ice cold killer with an amiable side, and it works.
To be honest, the murders in this film are secondary to the intriguing relationship between killer and cop, and that's what really drives this film. Spader's brilliantly enigmatic "Yeah, I notice you," halfway through the film, in response to Reeves' leading question speak volumes about where your attention should lie. This is essentially a film about the relationship between these two characters, and it is well worth watching for the sheer screen presence of the two Hollywood heavyweights. Excellent stuff.
Spader's migraine suffering, burned out, vulnerable ex FBI man Joel Campbell plays wonderfully; he gives the part a depth that would be all too easy to miss had another actor been cast. He is the basket case to Reeves' in-control killer.
Reeves, as serial killer David Allen Griffin shows he can act in this film - it's a radical departure from the Neo/Ted Logan characters, and I haven't seen him in anything this good since "Permanent Record". He is the ice cold killer with an amiable side, and it works.
To be honest, the murders in this film are secondary to the intriguing relationship between killer and cop, and that's what really drives this film. Spader's brilliantly enigmatic "Yeah, I notice you," halfway through the film, in response to Reeves' leading question speak volumes about where your attention should lie. This is essentially a film about the relationship between these two characters, and it is well worth watching for the sheer screen presence of the two Hollywood heavyweights. Excellent stuff.
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2.9 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars
The Switcher-Offer
I'm not saying that you should switch channels if this comes on TV. I am just saying that I didn't like it. I know there are some people who completely disagree. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Radiant Rose
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good thriller.
Good thriller,that certainly keeps you interested all the way through.Well worth buying at such a low price. Read more
Published on 5 Mar 2011 by Mr. P. N. Cairns
4.0 out of 5 stars
Under rated.
This is a really good film with a great performance from the lovely Spader. He is such a great talent.I was gripped.
Published on 7 April 2009 by Mrs. Susan E. A. Andrews
1.0 out of 5 stars
Was I Watching the same movie?
This is a terrible film, 205 minutes of my life wasted. Reading some of the reviews here makes me wonder if I saw a different DVD by mistake. Read more
Published on 27 Mar 2009 by The Thin White Buk
4.0 out of 5 stars
The watcher is Watching
I find my self returning once again to Amazon, this time to obtain this Thriller on dvd, after being plagued time & time again by flashbacks, As I have seen this on Television... Read more
Published on 11 Feb 2009 by Ms. L. M. Byrne
3.0 out of 5 stars
Watching The Watcher
I came to The Watcher with relatively low expectations having never heard of the film before. The cheap price and other reviews tempted me and I'm grateful they did for, while The... Read more
Published on 18 July 2008 by CMT346
4.0 out of 5 stars
terrifying
what a scary film.I've never heard of this film and I can't think why when it's so good! Normally films of this genre are all the same with the same type of characters and the same... Read more
Published on 10 July 2008 by Ms. F. I. Macdonald
2.0 out of 5 stars
Michael Mann-Lite
The storyline of this film doesn't offer anything new - hack roles of copper with issues, charismatic serial killer and token female in distress. Read more
Published on 29 May 2007 by martianbookclub
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thoroughly enjoyable
I really liked this film. It came in for a great deal of bad press, not least because Keanu Reeves is frequently the object of criticism, however I happen to think it is... Read more
Published on 27 May 2007 by L. Hay
3.0 out of 5 stars
KR's Watching You
Keanu Reeves [10] James Spader [9] Music [9] Marisa Tomei [8]
KR steals the show an excellent baddie. Spader has a knack of giving a gloss finnish to a weak storyline. Read more
KR steals the show an excellent baddie. Spader has a knack of giving a gloss finnish to a weak storyline. Read more
Published on 18 July 2006 by Jim Piper
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