AMB Reviews

Eagle Eye: 8/10 Stars

Release Date: September 26, 2008

Content Advisory: Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, and for language. There is a bit of heavy language throughout (mostly s-words, one muffled f-word). There is constant action violence, involving explosions, shooting, and fistfights, yet barely any blood.

Review:

Considering that this movie was released only one week before October, I decided to throw it in with the October reviews. Although I had watched several trailers of this film before going in to see it, I really had neither a dying obsession to see the movie, or any real idea about the main plot. I knew it was something about a mysterious organization trying to control a man's life. Well, it ended up being a little more than that.

In Short:

Although most definetely not realistic, while watching "Eagle Eye," you can't help but be entertained, as you watch maturing actor and actress, Shia Labeouf and Michelle Monaghan escape explosions, gun fights, and car chases. It most certainly doesn't have any clear message, so if you're looking for some thought-provoking film, you should probably look elsewhere. Anyone else looking for a solid, good time... "Eagle Eye" could be the right choice.

In Full:

"Eagle Eye" is one heck of a ride. The movie mainly revolves aroundthe two main characters: Jerry Shaw and Rachel Holloman. The two of them both lead pretty ordinary lives. Rachel is a single mom who spends her free time hanging out with her friends at the bar. Jerry works at a department store and spends his free time playing cards with his friends and wasting his money on poker. However, as you know, their lives are suddenly turned upside down, when Jerry walks home one night to find his apartment completely full of materials perfect for making weapons and performing terrorism. Rachel, on the other hand, is at the bar with her friends, when she receives a phone call, asking her whether or not she would risk her life for her son. Jerry and Rachel soon meet up, and although they start off on a bumpy path, they soon learn to rely on each other to save their own lives. This all leads to tons of excuses to include fistfights, gunfights, car chases, and lots of explosions.

As predictable as this formulaic "action film" plot is, it's pretty hard not to enjoy yourself... even when you dig deeper into some of the film's plot holes. Yes, it's unrealistic... but was it really supposed to be realistic? LaBeouf, who I still picture as the maincharacterin the old Disney Channel TV series, "Even Stevens," has most certainly matured in this film. It began with "The Greatest Game Ever Played," and now, with "Eagle Eye," although not given any Oscar-Worthy scenes, he does great with what he's given, and accomplishes the job respectfully. Monaghan, whom I had never seen in any other movie before, was also a pleasant surprise to me. At first, she seemed just like a disposable character... a single mom who went to the bar, but by the time of the movie's end credits, you realize that there really was something more to her character. The positive fact that she would go to great lengths to rescue her son, was also another pro of this energetic film.

Another nice aspect of this high-budget film, was the stunning visuals. The beginning car chase that took place between Jerry and Rachel and the cops, instantly got me hooked, and made me want to keep watching. It had a way of making something as simple as a single car flipping through the air and landing on its side seem incredible. After that, the great visuals continued, as the two dodged snapping phone wires, engaged in a fight on a conveyor belt, and finally, try to find a way to rescue Rachel's son in the amazing conclusion that leaves you in awe. Now, I'm not saying that "Eagle Eye" will be hailed as the best movie of the year, or instantly win several Oscars. In fact, by next year, when a new action thriller hits the screen, this movie will be long forgotten, probably finding its place onto somebody's DVD shelf, where it will sit there for many years to come.

In conclusion, no profound messages are found in "Eagle Eye," but it sure is one heck of a ride. Yes, it probably will be forgotten by next year, and maybe even by the time "Quantum of Solace" hits theaters this coming week, but it's nearly impossible not to have fun while watching LaBeouf and Monaghan just barely live through each day. The constant explosions, punching, and shooting may become a tad annoying and overused by the movie's end credits, but it's a nice escape to a completely unrealistic and frantic, action-packed world. In other words... an entertaining, if forgettable thriller.