Common Sense Media Review
By Christie Cronan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violent, chaotic, but worthy thriller has mature themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Neighborhood Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Simon (Jack Quaid), a young man living with an unspecified mental illness, is struggling to get back on his feet in NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH. Convinced that he witnessed a kidnapping—even though the police refuse to believe him—Simon desperately turns to his neighbor, bitter, retired security guard Ed Deerman (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), to help him find the missing woman before it's too late.
Is It Any Good?
Disorganized and chaotic, this movie is still ultimately lucid enough to offer a worthy, nuanced twist on the typical psychological thriller. Neighborhood Watch offers a surprisingly insightful look at mental illness, despite some plot holes and jagged scenes. Using both satire and viewers' empathy, this crime mystery pleads with audiences to see and appreciate the humanity in those who are struggling with mental illnesses daily. And the unlikely duo of Quaid and Morgan (along with co-star Malin Akerman) somehow balances the chaos, with each ultimately coaxing the best out of the other's performance.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the way that mental illness in typically depicted in films. How does Neighborhood Watch portray Simon's character? What struggles does he face personally and interpersonally?
How does Neighborhood Watch compare to other films featuring main characters with mental illnesses? Do you think it's an accurate portrayal of how people with mental illnesses are treated in real life? Why, or why not?
How do characters demonstrate empathy and communication? Why are those important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 25, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : April 25, 2025
- Cast : Jack Quaid , Jeffrey Dean Morgan , Malin Akerman
- Director : Duncan Skiles
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : RLJE Films
- Genre : Thriller
- Character Strengths : Communication , Empathy
- Run time : 93 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some violence/bloody images, and language
- Last updated : May 2, 2025
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