REVIEW: THE WATCH

3/5

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103 Minutes. Starring: Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill & Richard Ayoade. Director: Akiva Schaffer. Screenplay: Jared Stern, Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg

Friends and neighbors look out for this. Never fear, the comedies to cure those end of Summer blues are here. First there was our warm, fuzzy, 'Family Guy' feeling friend in 'Ted' and now we have four guys-two being 'Brat Pack' legends and two of the last decades best and brightest funniest men-looking after us. Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill and Richard Ayoade are the Neighborhood Watch on patrol armed with some of the best jokes and jackets that look more like they belong to a ten-pin bowling team.

Still this films a strike despite some gutter-balls. Sure this film shouldn't have revealed the alien nature of its watch in the trailers-the second trailer 'cat out of the bag' would have worked a lot better as an in-film surprise-but its still out of this world funny. What on the outside looks like another small-town hilarious premise turns out to be a spaced out caper that is like 'Men In Black' with less neuralyser and more penis. You won't forget this watchable movie in a while. 'The Watch' looks even better with closer inspection.

As this film goes from 2am disturbances to 'Close Encounters Of The Third Kind' it gets funnier and funnier by the gun barrel and rib ripping action. 'Meet The Parents' star Ben Stiller meets the aliens head on leading 'The Watch' with all his subtle charisma and star charm. He let's the one-liners flow naturally with fellow clowning vet Vince Vaughn who brings even more of his trademark, tickling inspired improv and cool charisma. It's great to see two of Hollywood's most consistent and likable stars back and together. They've still got it. Even if they look more and more like they're making a home in middle-age these days, they're talent is still keeping up with the mortgage payments.

Young, top comedy hit maker Jonah Hill continues his incredible year with a background but bold performance. After the serious award worthy 'Moneyball' performance made him a big-hitter in any park, Hill returned to 'Superbad' form with this years best comedy '21 Jump Street' and he continues his great batting average with another sweet swing right on the money. Still it's the perfect casting of British 'I.T. Crowd' star Richard Ayoade which is the master move here. Seen as his computer co-star Chris O'Dowd has had his fun with 'Bridesmaids' its now Ayoade's turn. The hilarious actor gets even more hysterical here and fits in alongside the three huge American stars perfectly. Expect more roles and red carpets to come for the quirky, quintessential talent soon. Watch this space.

'Saturday Night Live' and 'Magruber' legend Will Forte brings even more punch to a film that draws the lines perfectly with it's fab four already. With great gags its little surprise that another leading, legend establishing comedian is in the writers room as Seth Rogen adds his two cents of ink to Jared Stern and Evan Goldberg's screenplay. Despite some plodding plot this film is under the right direction. From egg on your face, crotch hitting embarrassment to slow motion 'Matrix' and suburban 'Reservoir Dogs' references, this film is an orgy of pop-culture and classic comedy.

Taking this films unassuming backdrop to the sweet suburbs of Glenview, Ohio is the perfect advert for white-picket 'Desperate Housewife' street America. More than that however this film appears to be the not so subtle placement for the company Costco. Still this film and the firm can be forgiven for not taking this all too seriously. Plus a film that changed it's name from 'Neighbourhood Watch' out of respect to the Trayvon Martin tragedy certainly has it's heart in the right place. From entertaining science fiction fodder to stand up guys delivering the gold laughs the good times roll off the reel. This film-in the name of a fun Friday night-doesn't take itself too seriously and you shouldn't either. 'The Watch' is worth looking out for. Keep an eye on it. TIM DAVID HARVEY.