An uneasy watch
Lakeview Terrace
Racism, prejudice and plain old grudges turn the peaceful street in Lakeview Terrace into a wild fire of hatred and revenge.
Chris Mattson (Patrick Wilson) and his wife, Lisa (Kerry Washington) are stepping up in the world, moving to a new city, and becoming home owners for the first time. Everything seems to be going well for them, new beautiful house, in a beautiful, and peaceful neighbourhood. They even have a police officer living next door to make them feel even safer, right?
Abel Turner (Samuel L. Jackson) is very old fashioned in his thinking, methods of raising his two children, and even the actions he takes on the job. Unfortunately, he can't see past the fact that Chris and Lisa are an interracial couple and perfectly happy about it.
While things between Chris, Lisa and Abel seem to start off well, they quickly make a 180, turning everyone's world upside down. It all starts with security lights that shine right into Chris and Lisa's bedroom, which Abel is “unable” to turn off. Then, Chris keeps flicking his “secret” cigarette butts onto Abel's property, and he and Lisa, make love in their new pool, in plain view of Abel's children.
Lisa, sure that kindness will win out in the end, pushes for them to keep trying to get through to Abel, and make peace. However, things continue to escalate. Unable to call the police for help, Chris and Abel head into a battle of strength, smarts and tenacity, in a fight to the death.
I am torn about this movie. Some movies have tons of action and suspense that help get the audience pumped, however this movie, which did have some action and suspense, took things much slower. Also, the racism and overall bigotry made some scenes uncomfortable to watch. I am certain that all of these things were intentional, to make the audience feel awkward and add to the impact the movie has on the audience.
Jackson (Jumper), is a very diverse actor, going from nice guy, to mean guy quite easily, however, I definitely think that the mean guy role suites him much better. Wilson (Running with Scissors), who hasn't been in many movies yet, was awesome, and I thoroughly expect to see more from him in the future.
Washington (The Last King of Scotland) at times was annoying, but I think that she was a good choice to play opposite these leading men.
Everything in Lakeview Terrace is set up to make the audience uncomfortable, which then makes them feel more of a part of the movie. In that respect, they did a good job. Although the film was awkward, there is no doubt that it is a good movie. I recommend this movie to anyone who wants to get swept into the world of the movie, and feel everything that the characters are feeling.
Final Words: Saw it. Liked it. Am glad that my neighbours aren't crazy policemen.
Racism, prejudice and plain old grudges turn the peaceful street in Lakeview Terrace into a wild fire of hatred and revenge.
Chris Mattson (Patrick Wilson) and his wife, Lisa (Kerry Washington) are stepping up in the world, moving to a new city, and becoming home owners for the first time. Everything seems to be going well for them, new beautiful house, in a beautiful, and peaceful neighbourhood. They even have a police officer living next door to make them feel even safer, right?
Abel Turner (Samuel L. Jackson) is very old fashioned in his thinking, methods of raising his two children, and even the actions he takes on the job. Unfortunately, he can't see past the fact that Chris and Lisa are an interracial couple and perfectly happy about it.
While things between Chris, Lisa and Abel seem to start off well, they quickly make a 180, turning everyone's world upside down. It all starts with security lights that shine right into Chris and Lisa's bedroom, which Abel is “unable” to turn off. Then, Chris keeps flicking his “secret” cigarette butts onto Abel's property, and he and Lisa, make love in their new pool, in plain view of Abel's children.
Lisa, sure that kindness will win out in the end, pushes for them to keep trying to get through to Abel, and make peace. However, things continue to escalate. Unable to call the police for help, Chris and Abel head into a battle of strength, smarts and tenacity, in a fight to the death.
I am torn about this movie. Some movies have tons of action and suspense that help get the audience pumped, however this movie, which did have some action and suspense, took things much slower. Also, the racism and overall bigotry made some scenes uncomfortable to watch. I am certain that all of these things were intentional, to make the audience feel awkward and add to the impact the movie has on the audience.
Jackson (Jumper), is a very diverse actor, going from nice guy, to mean guy quite easily, however, I definitely think that the mean guy role suites him much better. Wilson (Running with Scissors), who hasn't been in many movies yet, was awesome, and I thoroughly expect to see more from him in the future.
Washington (The Last King of Scotland) at times was annoying, but I think that she was a good choice to play opposite these leading men.
Everything in Lakeview Terrace is set up to make the audience uncomfortable, which then makes them feel more of a part of the movie. In that respect, they did a good job. Although the film was awkward, there is no doubt that it is a good movie. I recommend this movie to anyone who wants to get swept into the world of the movie, and feel everything that the characters are feeling.
Final Words: Saw it. Liked it. Am glad that my neighbours aren't crazy policemen.
