There will be those that complain about the "slow pace", “poor storyline" and "racist undertones" of the film. What they don't realise is that 'Lakeview Terrace' is in fact a well directed, brilliantly acted and wonderfully atmospheric film.

I believe Samuel L. Jackson has never been on such good form with a complex role that merges that of a loving, caring father and a disillusioned, racist policeman (people have yet to comment about the interesting reversal of racist assumptions). Throughout the film, Jackson creeps, lurks and insults his way into awkward situations and conversations that intend to shock and unnerve the audience. His brooding presence not only instils fear into the neighbours, but dominates the screen in a perfectly honest, self-righteous and belligerent fashion.

From the tense beginning, to the suspenseful middle and cathartic finale this is an intelligent exploration of American culture and morality (perhaps even religion - notice certain dialogue reminiscent of religious lexis and body language Samuel L. Jackson takes on the role of the omnipotent and omni-benevolent one himself) that needs to be appreciated for all its worth. It's about time we saw some realistic portrayals of such a taboo subject but it's done so professionally, artistically and entertainingly that it's sure to pass too many cinema-goers by.

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I have to agree with the other reviewer of this film Jimmy Mac about it. Lakeview Terrace was just an average movie. The problem with this film was it was trying to recreate a story of exploring the issue of race that the film Training Day and Crash (which were brilliant) already did but in a slightly different environment and it isn't pulled off lacking real substance in the story as it wasn't explored in any real detail, also the movie was very predictable (making the film seem twice as long) as you see the situation between Jackson and his neighbours, the interacial couple played by Patrick Wilson and Kerry Washington escalate and you know what is going to happen. Another problem was that it was very slow getting into it, i could see it was trying to build up suspense, tension and drama but for me there was none as the film could have also done with some more action. The only positives i could pull from this film was at least it was attempting to explore an interesting issue and Jackson put in a decent performance, which is why i gave a two instead of a one star rating. Whoever put on this site. If you like Crash and Training Day you'll love Lakeview Terrace need there heads testing because they were dead wrong. Not a film i'd go and see again and one i wouldn't recommend anyone else to see. Nothing special.

This is a very weak story line with a racist undertone. There's nothing new here as Sammy L portarys an unhappy with the world bad cop. The other cast members are not strong either. This film is much in the same vain as The Cleaner which was also not one of Sammy L's best work. Seems like he is picking up duff roles of late, although I thought he was good in Snakes on a Plane - very tongue in cheek!
Back to this film - its the story of a mixed married couple who move into a great house next door to the single parent father trying to bring up his 2 teenage kids. He is very principled person but the story line just doesn't cut it and it draws everything out until the bitter end when you are glad its over as it is so predictable. A very poor film - if you really want to see this, wait til it comes out on DVD or even better if you have Sky Movies wait til then!

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