Hola all. Massawyrm here.
Eagle Eye is exactly the kind of conventional thriller that I love. Tense, edgy and held together by a strong cast, this has all the hallmarks of solid entertainment. But most importantly it is a well conceived twist film that changes what it is in every single act of the film. This movie will throw you for a loop if you manage to see it spoiler free as it hinges upon an incredible conceit that rapidly unfolds and challenges what you’ve seen every chance it gets. What you’ve seen thus far in the trailers and what the advertising has shown you is the basic concept of Act 1: A guy and a girl both receive phone calls blackmailing them into acting for the mysterious voice forcing them into situations that is completely out of character for them. But who is the voice? And what are their ultimate ends? The answer to that is a fascinating, riveting timely piece of subversive filmmaking that will constantly force you to change your opinions on what is happening as the movie keeps changing the rules it is playing by.
If you have any intent on seeing and enjoying this film, I strongly urge you to stay as spoiler free on this as you can. It is one of those rare films that derives almost all of its power from its concepts, their presentation and revelation. While there are plenty of white knuckle action sequences - gun fights, car chases and explosions by the fistful – the film is about an idea. And that idea is pretty damned rockin’. By the time the third act begins, the film has become a stunning, pulse pounding adventure which causes you to actively question whose side you’re supposed to be on. And even when the film is wrapped up and all the loose threads tied into a nice pretty bow, you are still completely uncertain as to who should have won.
And that’s the true power of Eagle Eye. It is a film that wants you to ponder the ideas, question the motives and ultimately decide for yourself what the true nature of patriotism is. Yeah, it’s a politically minded film, but not a POLITICAL film. In fact, if anything, it can be described as somewhat liberal ideas presented and framed as a right leaning argument. It is a film that is very much in love with its country while openly discussing what may or not be wrong with it. And it does so while blowing enough shit up to keep you riveted to the conversation.
Shia is fantastic here, turning in a mature, leading man performance while summoning up the power of his mighty “nonononononono” (his version of Harrison Ford’s infamous FINGER OF DOOM) only once. Once again he carries the movie on his shoulders with the power of his natural charisma. As much as some folks like to bag on him, Shia is proving with each and every film to be a goto talent that you can build an entire film around. With a little more seasoning and the choice of a few edgy indie roles, he’s no doubt headed for A List fame. While he doesn’t do much “out of character” here, he is just as solid and dependable as always.
The film’s only real problem is its third act. While the idea’s are incredible and exposed to the audience in just the right manner, this movie goes the way of many of Caruso’s other films and has a bit of a fizzle at the end. It’s not the third act is lame or nonsensical - it is just that DJ Caruso seems to have a bit of a problem letting his third acts deviate from standard Hollywood fare. No matter how fresh or original his films feel, his final moments always seem a little forced and been-there-done-that. Disturbia was great fun until the clichéd chase through the house at the very end. Two For the Money comes to a close in much the same petering out fashion. And Taking Lives completely falls apart when its ending undercuts the rest of the film. Of these films, Eagle Eye is easily my favorite, but it is not the conclusion of this film that will win you over – it is the two hours before it.
All in all it is a great thriller and a fantastic idea laid out perfectly. Once you find out what’s going on, you will understand why this is more than just the standard, paint by numbers thriller the advertising is making it out to look like. Personally, I’m curious to see what I think about the film on a second viewing. Being a film that hinges so much on the mystery, I’m not yet certain if I will love it more or less now that the curtain has been pulled back. Either way, the film is solid and a must see for any LeBeouf or Caruso fans.
Until next time friends, smoke ‘em if ya got ‘em.
Massawyrm
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