Movie Review: Lakeview Terrace (2008)

Directed by Neil LaBute, this drama/thriller was one I had wanted to see when it was in theatres back in September '08, but never got the chance to, so when it was rented by other family members, my husband and I couldn't wait to watch it.

Samuel L. Jackson plays a overly watchful neighborhood-watchman and cop who also happens to be racist against the relationship his new neighbors have--played by Patrick Wilson and Kerry Washington. Because he disapproves of the inter-racial marriage the new couple have, Samuel's character sets out to creep them out, make them move, and basically make their lives a hell on Earth.

Lakeview Terrace doesn't exactly come across as the movie the trailers make it out to be, and so was a bit disappointing. The trailer, as it turns out, was a lot creepier than the movie, and made Samuel out to be a lot more intimidating than he was in the movie, although his acting is--as always--great.
Patrick and Kerry are very good too, as the struggling new couple trying to move forward in life, but perhaps not having worked out their plans as a team yet. This makes their marriage easy ground for Samuel's character to stir up trouble in.

For a movie that runs 110 minutes, I expected Lakeview Terrace to be a bit more thriller, and less drama, but it kind of dragged on a bit. I think they could have made the movie a normal 90 minutes, and it would've been as good.

I'd say this is a good movie to watch if you don't expect it to be heavy thriller, but still a good story and idea (it's no 'Hide and Seek'). And of course, it does have Samuel L. Jackson doing what he does best, and rocking his role!