Seen on: September 26, 2008

The players: Director: D.J. Caruso, Writers: Daniel McDermott, Travis Adam Wright, John Glenn, Hillary Seitz, Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Michelle Monaghan, Rosario Dawson, Anthony Azizi, Billy Bob Thornton

Facts of interest: Steven Spielberg served as executive producer on the film.

The plot: A slacker (LaBeouf) and a single mom (Monaghan) are framed as terrorists and forced to engage in a political assassination.

Our thoughts: Big bro. is watching like never before in D.J. Caruso’s “Eagle Eye,” a totally unrealistic but thoroughly entertaining thriller that delivers enough vibrant action to make you ignore most of the film’s obvious flaws.

In the movie, Caruso reteams with his “Disturbia” lead actor Shia LaBeouf, who plays Jerry Shaw, a young slacker who one day receives a random phone call telling him he has been ‘activated.’ If he fails to follow the orders of the mysterious female voice on the other line, he dies.

Shortly after, Jerry finds himself framed as a terrorist and forced to participate in a major political assassination. Assisting him is Rachel Holloman (Michelle Monaghan), a single mother who receives the same phone call and risks losing her son if she fails to cooperate.

On the run from a couple of stubborn agents (Billy Bob Thornton and Rosario Dawson), Jerry and Rachel must complete several perilous tasks that could eventually lead to the greatest homeland security meltdown in the history of the United States.   

While “Eagle Eye” may not be the cleverest action spectacle we’ve seen over the past years, it sure is an exciting one. Caruso and his writing team barely give audiences time to breath here, delivering one loud, explosive action sequence after another.

Although most of what you see unfold on the big screen can best be described as dumb, pointless action, the film’s plot boasts excellent pacing that will constantly make you want to see what happens next. Big surprises are scarce though, but silly fun is guaranteed for the price of admission.

Despite Caruso’s obvious abilities to direct a big action blockbuster, the editing by Jim Page is just too chaotic, often making it impossible for viewers to figure out what’s really happening on the screen. That said, the film’s dark look and Brian Tyler’s hectic score work just fine.

As I mentioned before, the main intrigue in “Eagle Eye” is rather ridiculous, and chances of something like this happening in reality are very slim. There are clear attempts to deliver a political message and comment on the quick evolution of technology, but the script is too shallow to leave a mark.  

Plot holes aside, I was really surprised by the strong performances by LaBeouf and Monaghan. The two share a pretty solid chemistry onscreen and come across as convincing enough, despite a lack of depth in their characters. Acting honors also go to Thornton’s role as Thomas Morgan.

Freaky quote: “Somebody set me up." – Shia LaBeouf

The final word: Nonsensical action is not something for everyone, but if you are willing to accept everything you see in these two fast-paced hours, then I see no immediate reason why you would not enjoy this brainless but highly entertaining popcorn flick.

Article by Franck Tabouring