The Watcher (2000) 6 out of 10 stars ⭐ Good, Standard Serial Killer Faire...

 Good, Standard Serial Killer Faire...

THE WATCHER (2000) 6 out of 10 stars ⭐

BASIC PLOT: 

Joel Campbell (James Spader) is an ex-FBI agent, living on medical retirement. His last case, hunting a serial killer (Keanu Reeves), cost him the woman he loved, as well as his health and peace of mind. He's moved to Chicago, to be near her grave, and to try to find some peace. Unfortunately, that hasn't worked out so well. The killer has followed him from LA, and he's sending cryptic clues, drawing him back into the case. Is Joel's nightmare almost over, and what will be the price for his freedom?

WHAT WORKS: 

*ANCILLARY CHARACTERS ARE WELL CAST Chris Ellis as Detective Hollis Mackie is convincing as a cop who's tough, but also empathetic. His dialog, mannerisms, and general demeanor, are all realistic.

*STREET KIDS ARE MORE WILY THAN MOST. Jessica's (Jillian Peterson reactions) reactions to Griffin (Keanu Reeves), are right on target.

*AUTHENTIC PORTRAYAL OF GRIEF It's plausible, Campbell (James Spader) might move across the country, to be near the grave of the woman he loved. It's an authentic representation of grief, especially when grief is all you have left.

*THE MOVIE POSTER IS FANTASTIC! It got me to buy a ticket, back in 2000. This movie also has an engaging trailer, a worthwhile companion to the movie.

WHAT DOESN'T WORK: 

*A COP BERATING ANOTHER COP ISN'T BELIEVABLE IN THIS CASE FBI Special Agent In Charge Mike Ibby's beratement (Ernie Hudson) of ex-FBI Agent Joel Campbell (James Spader), JUST DOES NOT WORK! Cops don't tend to antagonize other cops, especially ones living on a razor's edge. All cops, have been suicidal, or hopeless, at least once in their careers. Ibby might give him an inspirational story, or some kind of 'pull yourself together' speech, but he wouldn't degrade a cop on psych disability. Don't movies have police consultants? They should have listened to them here.

*WHAT'S WITH THIS TERRIBLE SPEECH? FBI Special Agent Mitch Casper's (Robert Cicchini) petty, jealous speech, doesn't work. He might think those things, but I doubt he'd say them out loud to a coworker. He wouldn't want to make himself look bad, and it does. The whole monologue needed a serious overhauling, and unfortunately didn't get one.

*CONTINUITY PROBLEMS At 32:01, the girl on the agent's computer screen is a future victim, not the current victim. They hadn't received that picture yet.

*KEANU'S DANCING IS RIDICULOUS! David Allen Griffin's (Keanu Reeves) dancing to Rob Zombie, in the last confrontation, is laughable. I don't know who thought that was a good idea, but they should be fired. (I like Keanu, it's hard to see him make a fool of himself.)

TO RECOMMEND, OR NOT TO RECOMMEND, THAT IS THE QUESTION: 

*This is a decent serial killer thriller, worth a watch. I would also recommend this to James Spader fans. He does a great job as Joel Campbell, and his performance alone makes the movie worthwhile. Keanu Reeves is interesting in a role, not typical for him. Marisa Tomei and Chris Ellis, also give note worthy performances, elevating this film out of the clichéd, and into something enjoyable.

CLOSING NOTES: 

*I HAVE NO CONNECTION TO THE FILM, or production in ANY way. I am just an honest viewer, who wishes for more straight forward reviews. Hope I helped you out.