Lakeview Terrace

In Lakeview Terrace, a young couple (Patrick WIlson and Kerry Washington) has just moved into their California dream home when they become the target of their next-door neighbour, who disapproves of their interracial relationship.

A stern, single father, this tightly wound LAPD officer (Samuel L. Jackson) has appointed himself the watchdog of the neighborhood. His nightly foot patrols and overly watchful eyes bring comfort to some, but he becomes increasingly harassing to the newlyweds.  These persistent intrusions into their lives ultimately turn tragic when the couple decide to fight back.

 

 

Filmed with the recent California fires as the back drop, Lakeview Terrace is a well executed thriller but leaves you wishing there was a bit more too it.  The tension slowly builds as Jackson becomes more and more sinister but it peaks too soon.  Jackson just doesn’t really go ‘psycho’ enough.

Don’t get me wrong, this is an enjoyable movie but I was expecting just a little more.  I love Samuel L. Jackson so was relishing the idea of watching him go bat-shit crazy but we don’t quite see this in Lakeview Terrace.  He is a stern father and a man with some strong principles who is not afraid to preach them no matter how offensive they might be, and he will do as much as he can to try to push his neighbors out of their home but ultimately his actions are just slightly mundane for what should be a really good, better than average, psychological thriller. 

However, you do sympathize with the new homeowners and it does make you wonder what you would do in their situation.  I guess to convey this they wanted to keep the action realistic as some thrillers do tend to go over the top.

So overall an enjoyable, realistic thriller but it could do with a bit more umph!

DVD Extras

-Commentary with Director Neil LaBute and Kerry Washington
-Deleted Scenes with optional commentary with Director Neil LaBute and Kerry Washington
-Welcome to Lakeview Terrace: Behind the Scenes - An Open House
-Welcome to Lakeview Terrace: Behind the Scenes - Meet Your Neighbours
-Welcome to Lakeview Terrace: Behind the Scenes - Home Sweet Home

~Review by Lee