Eagle Eye

This cautionary tale derives much of its influence from 2001 and 1984, both exceptional stories, yet very much unrealistic. The film begins with a special operations group targeting a terrorist Muslim group somewhere in the Middle East using the latest and greatest computer assimilating technology, dubbed Eagle Eye. From there the story flashes to Chicago where we find out unlikely protagonist, Jerry Shaw (Shia LaBeouf) leading a remarkably unremarkable life as a copy clerk. He is chosen by a mysterious voice and is paired up with Rachel Holloman (Michelle Monaghan) to complete a series of tasks that put them both in constant jeopardy. Will they escape? Who is behind this mysterious omnipotent voice? Who cares?

What begins as an intriguing story begins its inevitable demise far too early in the film to be taken seriously. There are good sequences of action (those which don't have so much shaky camera work that the screen is a blur of twisted metal and explosions) and some of the technological aspects of the story are interesting, but the characters never fully convince the viewer that they are worthy of these tasks, or that they deserve to survive.

After many red herrings and unwarranted tension-filled scenes, the elaborate puzzle pieces come together in a cacophony of absurdity. Is there anyone within the Department of Defense who knows what they are doing? Will Jerry and Rachel complete their tasks? What are their tasks? Again - who cares? The film does a terrible job compelling the viewer to invest emotion in these characters.

Billy Bob Thornton is in his element as the FBI Special Agent in Charge of Anti-Terrorism, and adds some dry humor as well as some star talent to the picture. Michael Chiklis on the other hand, is entirely out of place as the Secretary of Defense. Perhaps it's difficult to see him playing anything except for a morally corrupt cop who is out for street justice, but just about anyone would have been a better choice for this particular role.

DJ Caruso seems to have a template for his films, attempting to manipulate the viewer by giving the protagonist a tragedy that somehow affects the outcome of the story. This paradigm gets old, and the story would have been better off had this not happened (of course, the story gets so ridiculous that I'm not sure if it would have actually been better off).

Shia is a very affable actor, good screen presence and witty. He plays a good action/comedy lead, but Monaghan doesn't do anything for me. Bottom line - this film has some good action, but is ridiculous and lets the viewer down at the end. 6/10.