Eagle Eye

Eagle Eye (2008) starring Shia LaBeouf, Michelle Monaghan, Billy Bob Thornton, Rosario Dawson and Michael Chiklis.

Before...what was I expecting? Well from the little that I had heard about the film I was expecting an action packed chase movie. I was expected a thriller that would be intelligent and a few surprises in store.

Following the death of his twin brother, Jerry Shaw (LaBeouf) is framed as a terrorist. Arrested by the FBI, he is sprung by a female caller and coerced, along with a single mum (Monaghan), into going on a dangerous mission. FBI Agent Thomas Morgan (Thornton) is hot on both their tails as he tries to lock them both up for good. Air Force Investigator Zoe Perez (Dawson) is investigating the death of Jerry's twin and comes head to head with Morgan. Defense Secretary Callister (Chiklis) is trying to sort out a military mess up.

Well the film certainly was action packed, it was dramatic sequence after dramatic sequence. The thrills did not let up the full two hours and that partly was the problem. It felt like two episodes of 24 back to back, but with none of the relaxing bits in between. Every once in a while you think, a break must come soon, but it never did. Relentless is being too kind, I feel.

Having got the real major problem I had with the film out of the way, what made me enjoy the film? Well, although it was relentless the action was very well done. The stand out sequence for me was the car chase near the start of the film, a stunning sequence that showed off the directors (DJ Caruso) flair for action sequences.

On top of that, the actors were fantastic. They were all charismatic and slick in their portrayals of the characters. The character and actor that stood out for me, unfortunately did not get the onscreen time he deserved, and that was Chiklis. His role as the Defence Secretary was fantastic, however it is the relentless nature of the plot that leaves his acting in the film's wake. For me, that lies at the blame of the director, which I am extremely reluctant to do.

The director is one I am a fan of, and that is after having done ony one film of any note, in my view and that film was Disturbia (a take on Rear Window). Until I read Empire's film review again today I hadn't realised that Eagle Eye was a take on North by Northwest. It seems he is trying to give modern takes on Hitchcockean films and the idea of that for me is heresy. However, now having seen two of his attempts at doing it I am impressed and considering I am such a big fan of Hitchcock that is a real compliment. However the flaws of the action in this film are too much to deal with for me and for that reason...

★★★☆☆