Release Date: September 23, 2008 Studio: Dreamworks MPAA Rating: PG-13 Genre: Thriller •
Action •
Adventure Director: D.J. Caruso Writers: John Glenn, Travis Wright, Hilary Seitz, Dan McDermott Cast: Shia LeBeouf, Michelle Monahan, Rosario Dawson,Michael Chiklis,Billy Bob Thornton Synopsis: Dreamy Shia LeBeouf stars in this action-packed, action-adventure, action-film in which a bunch of stuff happens with a cell phone, some cars, and a couple of airplanes. There's a computer in there, too, and a bunch of other people who aren't as cute as Shia Labeouf. The Review: Dearest Shia,
Shia, my love, I have just had the pleasure of watching your new film EAGLE EYE. I'm sure you are busy, oiling up Megan Fox as part of your work on TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN, but I wanted to take a moment to let you know that I was pleasantly surprised by one of the best action movies I've seen in a long time. Your performance is great as Jerry Shaw, a slacker who loses his twin brother, and in the midst of his mourning, finds himself part of an insane conspiracy that threatens his life and his freedom. Michelle Monaghan (MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE III) is appropriately intense as Rachel Holloman, also drawn in to the intrigue, a threat on her son's life making it impossible for her to escape. Billy Bob Thornton turns up as an FBI agent, and Rosario Dawson as an Air Force investigator, both bent on uncovering the secrets our two protagonists are keeping. Of course, even those guys don't know what they're doing, why, or who's in control. Much of the story unfolds in a way that is delightfully surprising to anyone too young (like you!) to remember WAR GAMES. At first I thought it was just a really drawn out Sprint commercial, but no. There is much more to it than cell phones. Messages are delivered to Jerry and Rachel in all sorts of interesting ways, including electronic signs on buildings, electronic street signs, and electronic signs on other buildings!
Shia honey, you made a great move in re-teaming with your DISTURBIA director, DJ Caruso. The writing (John Glenn, Travis Wright, HIllary Seitz, Dan McDermott) gave you guys a nice jumping board. There's some character development to make us care, but it in no way interferes with the action, which is where this movie really gets its high marks.
I am so proud of you! You have made another excellent choice in your quest to be the next great action hero. You continue to be a part of movies that are fun, exciting, and give you a few minutes to indulge your acting prowess before showcasing your ability to run really, really fast. This movie has the most bad-ass car chase I've seen since I can remember. And the airport luggage conveyers scene is awesome, reminiscent of TERMINATOR II (though not nearly as intense; sort of TERMINATOR lite). It is not all fun and tiny planes crashing through tunnels, though. Oh no. I get that there is a message. Big Brother is out there. Everywhere. The tools we trust to help us live our lives can be turned against us in an instant! And who is control? A corporation? The government? Ours or someone else's? Who knows? I suppose there is a correlation between the events in the movie and those in our own recent history, but it is left up to the audience to draw those parallels and make of them what they will. (Though kudos for the use of the loaded term "regime".) Anyone who loves an action driven mystery (THE GAME, FLIGHT PLAN [if it was good], BOURNE IDENTITY, THE FUGITIVE) will get a kick out this tour de force. ('Tour' meaning pretty good, 'de force' meaning movie.)
In closing Shia, thank you for another entertaining, exciting movie experience, and for being the sexy, scruffy looking guy next door, whom I could not resist if my life depended on it. As you are a young man, only finding his footing in the world, I look forward to watching your career grow and to the many fabulous roles you will take. I have just one request before I let you go. Remember THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED? Remember A GUIDE TO RECOGNIZING YOUR SAINTS? It is possible for you to make a movie without crashes and explosions! Don't forget that you have the potential to be one hell of an actor. I would love to see you fully realize it.
Thank you for taking the time to read this most amatory letter.
Yours always,
Sarah
PS - I played the game Freefall on the EAGLE EYE website. While certainly no comparison to the intensity behind the movie, it's a neat idea, and a fun way to kill 10 minutes in front of the computer when the boss, or Big Brother isn't watching.
PPS - I'm giving EAGLE EYE four stars. The fourth star is for you, baby! Rating:
