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Last Updated: Nov 14, 2008 - 12:49:26 PM |
*** out of five
Most moviegoers know that some suspension of disbelief is required to enjoy nearly any movie, a sentiment that hardly ever rings more true than with the action and science-fiction genres. A mixture of the genres, Director D.J. Caruso’s latest release Eagle Eye takes that idea a little too seriously, ratcheting out a highly-unbelievable story from the film’s opening. Thankfully, intense action sequences and great acting save Eagle Eye from the trash heap.
A conspiracy theorist’s dream (or nightmare) come true, Eagle Eye tackles the classic theme that Big Brother – or Big Sister in this case – is watching. Slacker Jerry Shaw (Shia LaBeouf) receives a phone call from a mysterious woman who has set up his apartment with explosives, weapons, and forged documents. Captured by the FBI, Jerry is freed from their custody with help from the unknown woman and meets single mother Rachel Holloman (Michelle Monaghan), who has also been receiving phone calls from this mysterious woman, who has threatened to kill Rachel’s son if she doesn’t follow her orders.
Continuing to follow the caller’s instructions, Jerry and Rachel are eventually led to Washington D.C., discovering along the way that this unknown caller can control nearly any electronic device. She plans on using Jerry and Rachel to help her eliminate the president of the United States.
Without giving too much away, the film descends far beyond the realm of possibility early on.
What started as an interesting premise loses steam as soon as you find out who is making the calls to Jerry and Rachel. The execution of the assassination plot is also extremely convoluted and oftentimes ridiculous and unnecessary. Things probably could have been done much simpler, but, then again, that would have made for a much more boring movie.
Aside from the plot fallacies, Eagle Eye does lose points for borrowing so heavily from so many other films. What looks to be an original concept turns out to be nothing more than a souped-up mixture of Enemy of the State and the Bourne franchise, spiced with a little 2001: A Space Odyssey for good measure. With Hollywood so in love with sequels and remakes, it would have been nice to see something a bit more original.
That said, Eagle Eye does have its high points. Judged solely as a mindless action flick, the film delivers in spades, often kicking up the action right as the plot edges the line where even suspension of disbelief wouldn’t be enough to keep audiences entertained. Many of the action scenes are incredible, including a highly original chase scene shot with characters running on conveyer belts, made even more impressive considering that it was done without the use of CGI. Speaking of which, the CGI, when used, was used seamlessly, helping to add a touch of realism to an otherwise outrageous plot. Fellow filmmakers should take note – CGI should be used to enhance, not replace, live action in a film.
Marking a change of pace from his usual roles, LaBeouf does well here, helping sell the film. He and Monaghan have great chemistry together and fill their roles easily. What could have been another cookie-cutter action film is markedly improved because the two make their characters likeable and believable, two people whom you want to root for until the end. Even as the plot passes beyond the range of possibility, you keep watching to see how things turn out for them.
Overall, seen merely as an end of summer, popcorn-action flick, Eagle Eye more than delivers. Just make sure to set your suspension of belief into overdrive and you will be good to go.
Eagle Eye has a run time of 118 minutes and is rated PG-13 for action, violence, and language. It was viewed at Commonwealth 20.
nderatto@villagepublishing.com | 751-0421
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