“Lakeview Terrace” lies somewhere at the intersection of “Pacific Heights” and “Unlawful Entry.” It crosses the sadistic neighbor-from-hell concept with the power-tripping stalker-cop concept into an inconsequential genre film.
But though it runs too long, proceeds with wild contrivance and climaxes with one of those preposterously extreme showdowns, this tacky popcorn fare is decently acted and directed. And at least for about the first half-hour — before the proceedings begin to stray over-the-top — it dabbles in the race issue in an interesting way.
Indie director Neil LaBute made his mark exploring human hatred, especially in terms of sexual bigotry, in his movies “In the Company of Men” and “Your Friends and Neighbors.” Here, through a screenplay by David Loughery and Howard Korder, the evocative filmmaker takes a similar sort of creepy glee in exposing one man’s intolerance of the interracial couple who move in next door.
A believable, scary Samuel L. Jackson is obviously relishing his role as LAPD veteran Abel Turner. This very strict, but seemingly devoted, single father soon goes ballistic after Caucasian yuppie Chris Mattson (Patrick Wilson) and his lovely African-American wife Lisa (Kerry Washington) buy the adjacent house.
The Archie Bunker syndrome? It’s not a very modern concept for a movie. And we don’t find out until near the end — too late — why this villain takes such an instant dislike to some seemingly harmless newlyweds.
But for the purposes of your entertainment, if not logic, an idyllic-looking suburban cul-de-sac seethes as Abel’s war of intimidation against the Mattsons escalates. The dastardly old rogue uses the authority of his badge to get away with verbal and psychological assaults before turning to actual criminal acts in trying to break apart and force out the young couple. Meanwhile, threatening seasonal brush fires in the distance burn ever closer to the neighborhood. This unsubtle metaphor is meant to reflect the intensifying clash between the sadistic Abel and the wimpy/frustrated Chris. Theirs becomes a conflict of machismo as well as color.
It adds a welcome character depth to “Lakeview Terrace’s” dubious set-up that the “heroes” have a flawed marriage and the “bad guy” adores his kids. Also, LaBute builds tension well within a scene. But you can do only so much with a weak plot. In other words, you can put lipstick on a pig, but … Oh, you know the rest. …
‘Lakeview Terrace’
2 out of 5 Stars
Stars: Samuel L. Jackson, Patrick Wilson, Kerry Washington
Director: Neil LaBute
Rated PG-13 for intense thematic material, violence, sexuality, language and some drug references.
Running Time: 110 minutes
