Lakeview Terrace

Lakeview Terrace movie review: 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 neighbor, 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 decides to fight back.

Skip it: A B-movie trying to be seen as more than that, "Lakeview Terrace" accomplishes less by covering racial tension in such a fleeting, superficial manner.  As a bonkers third-act leads to a crazy-crazy bang-bang finale, the movie becomes as unhinged as Abel. It's less interested in the right way to teach a lesson than the usual corruptible nature of cops and its blatant wildfires-as-race-war metaphor.

Catch it: If you want to feel really old when Abel's teenage daughter (Regine Nehy) isn't sure if she's familiar with Destiny's Child songs. Just think, someday music listeners could be too young to know about the Jonas Brothers!

Bottom line: This is a perfectly decent, occasionally exciting action picture, anchored by the increasing distance between Wilson and Washington, and Jackson's eerie methods of friendly intimidation. But by giving Abel a specific reason for his anti-white prejudice, "Lakeview Terrace" takes the ambiguity out of its conflict and the heat out of its fire. Source: Metromix

Box Office: On its opening weekend, the film grossed $15 million placing it at number one in the United States. The film grossed $39.2 million in the United States and Canada and $3.2 million in other territories, making $42.4 million worldwide.

• Wikipedia: Lakeview Terrace
• Official movie site: Lakeview Terrace
• Watch the trailer below!