For me the found footage format can be very hit and miss. Strangely this film is both hit and miss. What I liked was the documentary like view meant we got to see the characters in a realistic way. This made them seem more real and not just actors playing the roles and so we care more about the characters. The scenes of Brian and Mike chatting in the car as they patrol were the best parts of the movie. They feels so relaxed and natural. I did think that David elevates his characters up a little bit too much. He makes them seem so wonderful winning awards, etc. But it just lessons their reality. I know we should not believe film synopsis but I thought the film was supposed to be about Brian and Mike coming under attack from a drug cartel but that sub plot did not play much of a role in the film. Speaking of the drug cartel. I found those characters to be very ridiculous. I am not a prude when it comes to swearing but the way these people swore was too much. they come across as charactures and not real people. These people might speak that way but the way they talk is more like parody.
Jake Gyllenhaal once again proves he is and excellent actor. So does his partner Michael Pena. The two of them make an excellent duo with their friendship seeming very real and not just made up for the movie. Natalie Martinez and Anna Kendrick do a very good job as the boys wives. It was nice to see America Ferrera doing a touch chick role after all the sweet roles she normally plays.
One of the better found footage style films. It works to give us a better look at two average cops in a tough area. But is let down by some unrealistic plot elements and characters.
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