Roll-M: The Watcher |
The Watcher (starring Keanu Reeves, James Spader, Marisa Tomei; story by Darcy Meyers and David Elliot, screenplay by David Elliot and Joe Charbanic; directed Joe Charbanic; rated R.)
Billed as a Hitchcockian psychological thriller, this movie has a long way to go to live up to that master of suspense’s reputation. Still, The Watcher is an interesting take on the obsession theme. James Spader plays a stressed-out FBI agent from Los Angeles who moves to Chicago when he can’t bag his serial-killer quarry. The killer (Keanu Reeves), who stalks young women, then strangles them with piano wire, turns the tables on Spader and follows him to Chicago, taunting the agent to catch him before he kills again – and again. Adding to the immediacy is a "ticking clock" scenario – the murderer leaves a trail of clues pointing to his next victim, unless he’s stopped by a given deadline.
This film doesn’t live up to its potential as a nail-biter. Spader is easy to watch, an excellent, underrated actor. Reeves as anti-hero should have been more menacing. As an actor, Reeves probably jumped at the chance to play against type. But he’s just too darn nice, too even tempered. His movie villain just doesn’t, uh, cut it.
If you have a chance, check out the movie’s website, especially in the Flash-enhanced version. It’s almost better than the film with its dark glimpses and eerie music. It’s at: http://www.thewatchermovie.com.