Eagle Eye

Location: Hoyts Melbourne Central

Last month or so, we were treated with a superbly cool trailer that was “Eagle Eye”. The trailer was thrilling, full with action sequences but most of all, it left the viewers with one question “what the hell is goin on?!”

So anyways, Eagle Eye just got it’s worldwide premiere yesterday, and coz it’s been a while for us hitting the cinemas we thought we might give it a go. Hey, it’s executively produced by Steven Spielberg anyways, so it can’t be that bad right?

Jerry couldn't let go of his new Blackberry

Eagle Eye stars Shia LaBeouf (Transformers, Indiana Jones 4) and Michelle Monaghan (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Mission Impossible 3). It also has a lot of other known faces such as Billy Bob Thornton, Rosario Dawson, and Michael Chiklis among others. So yeah if you’re a fan of Shia (probably the most prominent up and coming young actor) you’re in for a treat.

It’s best if you come into the movie having no idea nor expectation on what the movie is gonna be about. The film banks on the whole action-mystery-thriller genre that hasn’t been around for quite a while now. That being said, there’s not much stuff I can say about the plot that could probably spoil (or even ruin) the whole movie.

Just to make things simple to you first time viewers out there – basically Jerry Shaw (Shia) and Rachel Holloman (Monaghan) have both been contacted by an enigmatic caller known only to give them specific directions on what to do next. Both of them are on the run from the FBI and government agents and it seems that the “caller” can see them wherever they go.

"Run Shia, Run!"

Part of they joy on watching this film is to slowly learn what’s really going on. In between that you are treated with one of the most ridiculously entertaining car chase scenes that could be on par with Die Hard 3 or Bad Boys 2. Also, the movie is downright INTENSE – it is basically non-stop from start to finish. The action scenes are frenetic – expect a lot of running, chasing, jumping and ‘shit’ happening.

However, this movie has a lot of downers that made it less enjoyable. For one, was the plot – once you know what’s going on you’d either be dully satisfied or utterly disappointed. Some of the scenes were quite implausible and over the top it could probably turn you off because of the ‘serious’ nature of the film. Also, not to spoil the show or anything, but I thought the ending should have (and could have) ended on a better note. It sounds truly vague now, but when you watch it you’d know exactly what I mean.

Overall I thought the movie wasn’t all that bad. It was pretty enjoyable especially at the start. It has a lot of action scenes and drama to keep you entertained. And based solely on that I’m gonna have to recommend this. Just bear in mind this movie has its flaws and ridiculous moments – but I do believe the good slightly outweighs the bad here. So check it out in the cinemas soon, there isn’t much choice this month anyways :P

Stars: In between 3 and 3.5/5

Watch this if you liked: Enemy of the State, Phone Booth