Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Disturbingly violent but heroic depiction of L.A. cops.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
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Where to Watch
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End of Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Based on 22 kid reviews
Kids say that this movie is a compelling cop drama showcasing intense themes of heroism and brotherhood but is heavily laden with excessive profanity, violence, and mature content, making it unsuitable for younger viewers. While many appreciate the gripping storyline and character development, the overwhelming use of strong language and graphic scenes detracts from its accessibility for kids and suggests a rating of 14 and up for audiences.
- profanity overload
- graphic violence
- mature themes
- brotherhood depiction
- not for kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
L.A. police officers Brian Taylor (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Mike Zavala (Michael Pena) claim they see more action in a day than many other cops see in their entire careers, and it looks to be true. During some of their routine patrols, they come across increasing evidence of Mexican drug cartels -- doing business on a scale previously unheard of -- and all the regular codes of the street no longer apply. For a class project, Brian films everything that happens to them, including chases and shoot-outs, as well as shocking, gory discoveries behind closed doors. We also see Brian getting serious with his new girlfriend (Anna Kendrick). But what will happen to her and to Mike's loving wife when the cops find themselves in too deep?
Is It Any Good?
This engaging, action-filled movie is being advertised as "from the writer of Training Day." David Ayer has written and directed other things, but certainly Training Day is the best of them, and thankfully End of Watch captures some of that movie's energy. Ayer understands the rudiments of a day of work, and viewers see the main characters at all points during their shifts -- bored, tired, waiting around, as well as the more exciting stuff. The movie overdoes it a bit in terms of the frequency and intensity of exciting stuff, but it's easily forgiven.
The movie's best attribute is the strong chemistry between the two main characters. Their banter and bond seems genuine, and it's infectious. The movie's clandestine video-camera style works to capture a unique, intimate rhythm, but it also raises questions of practicality: Where did the footage of the bad guys come from? Did they film it themselves and then donate it? Regardless, End of Watch is still an intense, entertaining drama.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about End of Watch's extreme violence. How much of it was necessary to tell the story? Was it thrilling or frightening? How does its impact compare to the gore of a horror movie?
Are these characters role models? How does the movie make you feel about police officers?
Why do you think language and sexual innuendo are so strong in this movie? Do these characters need it for a release from the pressures of their job? Why?
The characters place a great deal of importance on family, wives, and children. Does their job's dangerous nature increase the need for a family?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 21, 2012
- On DVD or streaming : January 22, 2013
- Cast : Anna Kendrick , Jake Gyllenhaal , Michael Pena
- Director : David Ayer
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Open Road Films
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 109 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong violence, some disturbing images, pervasive language including sexual references, and some drug use
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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