Lakeview Terrace
Samuel L Jackson takes the lead in “Lakeview Terrace”, as a cop who will stop at nothing to force the new interracial couple next door to vacate. Chris (Patrick Wilson) and Lisa Mattson (Kerry Washington) have just found their dream home and soon find safety when they realize their new neighbor is officer Abel Turner (Jackson), a member of the LAPD. Mr. Turner is a single dad raising two children with his military antics. The couple’s safety soon turns to paranoia as the officer begins to show his true colors. Mr. Turner is not fond of his newlyweds next door and begins to torment them by angling flood lights into their bedroom, damaging their air conditioning unit and even going as far as breaking into their garage and slashing their vehicle’s tires.
When Lisa and Chris’ presence is felt unwanted they take control of the situation and begin to fight back. The more the Mattson’s fight Mr. Turner the worse the situation gets. Things only intensify when Lisa reveals to Chris she is pregnant, a pregnancy he is not ready for. Adding this stress to an already tense situation only causes a blow out between the two stubborn neighbors. Even after learning of Abel’s reasons for hatred towards interracial couples, no grief is felt for him. After all revelations we reach a final chapter in this neighborly feud.
Lakeview Terrace is not a hit by any means, but it is a lot better than Jackson’s last film Snakes on a Plane and much improved for director Neil LaBute, known for his previous work on The Wicker Man. Of course Samuel L Jackson as the manipulative and creepy officer Turner is a masterpiece; he could play a giraffe and pull it off gracefully. He definitely stole the show. Beautiful cinematography added a great layer to this otherwise dull film. Watching the film was not entertaining, it was suspenseful and tense. Lakeview Terrace will have you questioning how well you know your neighbors and hope that you always feel safe in your own home.
[...] Lakeview Terrace starring the always masterful Samuel L. Jackson as the LAPD cop who is upset by the interracial couple next door. Filled with suspense and drama this film is rated PG-13. [...]