As a regular movie critic I get a sense of how other critics are receiving a film prior to posting my review. (I get to read other reviews before hand.) “Eagle Eye” is a fascinating study: in all respects it’s a well-crafted action film. The cast is hip and exciting, the plotting rapid, the chase sequences heart-pounding, and despite a sense of déjà-vu in the central conceit, the film plays like and entire season of “24″ in two hours flat. Please read on…

So why are the critics heaping abuse on the film? In large part for its implausibility. In this age, film critics tend more and more to attempt to measure each movie up to their own internal definitions of a “perfect” film: a lofty aspiration indeed. Most of us regular movie junkies love escapism; it’s why we attend. And if high-octane, popcorn-oriented films are your bag, then check-in here; you’ll adore “Eagle Eye.”

The film unabashedly follows the big-brother model of “Enemy of the State” – and without giving away the film, the demanding female voice on the phone that interrupts the life of protagonists Jerry Shaw (Shiw LeBeouf) and Rachel Holloman (Michelle Monaghan) is the real-life realization of deus ex machine.

Jerry is a Chicago copy clerk whose life is turned upside down when his landlady accepts a number of packages on his behalf; they’re all filled with weapons and terrorist implications, and it takes about a minute for the FBI, headed by two older agents (Billy Bob Thornton and Rosario Dawson), to descend on him and force him on the lam.

Rachel, meanwhile, is the subject of pure blackmail, as the unidentified female threatens her son’s life if Rachel refused to obey. The two set off together to fulfill a destiny chosen by a person (or persons) who can track their every move via surveillance cameras, cellphones, satellites and any other technological listening post imaginable.

Director D.J. Caruso maintains a breakneck pace throughout the film – lending it a furiously fun feel. LeBeouf and Monaghan prove more than able to emote while running at high speed, and despite their characters’ antagonism towards each other manage to deliver sufficient chemistry to keep the human element credible. Thorton, meanwhile, has the best delivery of the thespians – no shock there. He lends gravitas to the picture. Dawson is a bit of a waste in her role, but she does what she can to overcome the deficiencies of her character as written.

But then, this is not a character play. It’s a high-tech action flick. It should be viewed as a high-tech action flick. And it should be judged as a high-tech action flick. Frankly, I enjoyed the hell out of it. So don’t miss it!

credits: EDGE Boston

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Official Movie Poster

Singapore Date: 1st October 2008 Language: English Running Time: 120 mins Rating: PG Genre: Drama / Thriller Tagline: If you want to live you will obey Starring: Michelle Monaghan, Rosario Dawson, Shia LaBeouf Directed by: D.J. Caruso Company: DreamWorks SKG Singapore Distributor: United International Pictures iZone Rating: 7/10 Official Website : Eagle Eye

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Movie Trailer

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