Eagle EyeDirected by: D. J. Caruso Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Michelle Monaghan, Billy Bob Thornton, Michael Chiklis, Rosario Dawson Time: 2 hours Rating: PG-13
Plot: Two strangers, Jerry Shaw (LaBeouf) and Rachel Holloman (Monaghan) meet after receiving mysterious phone calls from a woman they have never met. Tracking them with everyday technology the caller threatens their lives and forces them to complete a series of tasks that turn them into fugitives on the run. The unlikely pair work together to discover what is happening and why they are involved.
Who’s It For? If you enjoy fast action and chase scenes this one is for you. You'll appreciate it more if you can suspend rational thinking for a couple hours.
Expectations: This reminds me of a couple movies I enjoyed like Enemy of the State and Live Free or Die Hard. As long as they don't get too far fetched with the technology this could be entertaining.
SCORECARD (0-10)
Actors: Shia LaBeouf as Jerry Shaw: Picture LaBeouf's character in Transformers and age him four years. He's the same witty, fast-talking guy just a little bit older. It works again for this film as he tries to make light of something bigger than himself. Score: 8
Michelle Monaghan as Rachel Holloman: Rachel is tough and can hold her own. She doesn't just hide behind Jerry. I am thrilled that Monaghan doesn't go overboard as the concerned mother. She plays it just right. It's clear her motive is her son but it doesn't rule her actions. Score: 8
Billy Bob Thornton as Agent Thomas Morgan: Thornton is what you would want for a Terrorism Task Force Agent. He's level-headed and doesn't come off as overly cocky or combative like you might expect. He also has an opportunity to be over-dramatic late in the film but he plays it perfectly. Score: 7
Rest of Cast: Michael Chiklis, best known for his role in “The Shield,” plays US Defense Secretary Callister. He has a small part but comes off as a strong, moral government official. Rosario Dawson also has a limited role that balances well with Thornton's Agent Morgan. Score: 6
Talking: LaBeouf and Monaghan show great chemistry even if LaBeouf does mumble a bit. There is a lot of cell phone conversation that takes place on a train, in a helicopter and in places my phone would never get a signal. Sprint (a clear product placement) must be much better than my service. Thankfully, the voice on the other end of the phone remains mysterious enough to not give anything away too early as she utters things like, “You've been activated.” Score: 7
Sights & Sounds: The action chase scenes are the main draw. Camera shots are a little shaky at times but not so much that it detracts from the scene. No big surprises with the score, it builds suspense at the appropriate times. Having lived in the city, I can't help but appreciate the Chicago setting. Score: 7
PLOT SPOILERS
Best Scene: Although there are a few good chase scenes the best one is on the airport's baggage handling conveyor system. It's a hard-hitting, action packed game of Chutes and Ladders. Checked luggage has all the fun.
Ending: Not surprisingly, two previous strangers having survived their crazy adventure might just give romance a try.
Questions: In a film that heavily incorporates cutting edge technology there are always plenty of feasibility questions. Also, do we really still make artificially intelligent computers with no easy way to turn them off when they start taking over? I thought we would have learned our lesson by now.
Rewatchability: It is pretty straight forward so there isn't much to miss the first time through. The action is fun so I'm not opposed to sitting through it a second time if a friend is dying to see it.
OVERALL Enjoy the ride as Jerry and Rachel are thrown together against their will and try to help each other get through it all. This is a well-acted film with plenty of action. If you love chase scenes you won't be disappointed. I let out a quiet groan when they revealed the voice on the other end of the phone. Unfortunately as Jerry and Rachel learn more about who is giving them directions and the reasons behind it, the story loses steam. Entertainment aside, there's a relevant message about giving up privacy to feel more secure. Maybe it's not worth it after all.
Score: 7/10