Jason KingEagle Eye ($14-)
September 24th 2008 07:01
Category: No Category
Eagle Eye ($14-)
So three films went into a bar. One was 2001, the others were The Game and Arlington Rd. They all got a little tipsy and eventually decided on a threesome. Anyways they had a great night and nine months (or closer to years) later out popped a little film that has a part of each of its parents in it and totally kicks ass. I introduce Eagle Eye starring the up and nearly-overtaking-everyone as the Hollywood yes man (boy) Shia LaBeouf and the delectable Michelle Monaghan.
Jerry Shaw (LaBeouf) and Rachel Holloman (Monaghan) are two strangers thrown together by a mysterious phone call from a woman they have never met. Threatening their lives and family, she pushes Jerry and Rachel into a series of increasingly dangerous situations, using the technology of everyday life to track and control their every move. As the situation escalates, these two ordinary people become the country's most wanted fugitives, who must work together to discover what is really happening -– and more importantly, why.
I totally loved it and was enthralled 95% of the time and mesmerised by this return to high end action films. It starts pretty quickly and the pace does not relent. You get to see gun fights, big things blowing up, lots of smashed windows, car chases, high tech gadgetry and everything else they could pack into the film. It's like a guy film orgasm! But ladies will like it for the kind of sexy Shia and they can bond with the most beautiful and talented Michelle. This is a film for everyone. And the great thing about the high paced action film is that these characters have a story, they aren't heroes in any way but become champions. Shia develops over the film from boy to man. They come across as real and exhibit the emotions you would expect if thrown into this situation.
The story was originally conceived in 1996, Caruso said by the time the film came to fruition 12 years later, "the technology had finally caught up to the storytelling. ... Everybody has a BlackBerry or an iPhone on their belt, and we think we're constantly being tracked. It's less science fiction than when Steven (Spielberg) conceived it." Caruso wanted to bring a gritty, 1970s-era sensibility to the film. Accordingly, a key chase scene in a high-tech package-processing hub on conveyor belts was shot without the use of computer-generated imagery. "It was like Snakes and Ladders for adults. It was pretty dangerous, and a lot of fun. While filming the scene, Monaghan suffered a welt after a cable brushed her neck and Caruso hit his head on a protruding bolt, requiring stitches.
There were two things that slightly annoyed me. 1) Billy Bob Thornton and his hair. It's like he is having hair replacement treatment and popped in between treatments to film scenes. That and I just didn't think he suited the role. Normally I love his work, but he was just too old for this one. This needed someone a bit more vibrant. Also, his character's story was a bit too predictable and throw away. 2) There is a major reveal in the film (which I will not mention here or John Doe may scalp me) that I found just came way to early - I thought it would have gone on more before being introduced as a major plot piece.
The production values of this film are high and very professional, when you have Spielberg working with DJ Caruso and what looks like unlimited budget then things get done properly. The acting is strong - the first time I saw Shia in Holes as Stanlel Yelnats I thought he was very talented for his age and stole the whole movie and now he is starring in what will soon be three of the biggest movies released in the last 2yrs. He is flawless. Michelle Monaghan is a great pairing for him and I am so glad they kept it as two people thrown into a situation. If this was made 10yrs ago - somewhere in the midst of near death high octane action they would have stopped somewhere for a night just so we could get a love/ sex scene. It would not have worked in this film and would have made Michelle a bit cougarish. Shia still has boy written all over him. Rosario Dawson and Billy Bob are ok - but just throw away characters that were kind of like fleas on a dog, there and sometimes annoying. The voice you hear in the trailer and in the film directing them on their unwanted adventure was so familiar - I could have sworn it was Julianne Moore but can't find any info anywhere as to who the voice is. Tres Annoying!!
This is a no nonsense action film with high octane thrills. It is not vying for awards but wants to strap you in and make you enjoy the ride. If you look at your watch in this film then BOO you!! Loved it and worth the $14-.
PS: Note to Matt Damon, Brad Pitt and Leo - watch out, as far as bankability goes, Shia is on one fast horse approaching you guys. His next Transformers film may make him the number one actor for hire!
So three films went into a bar. One was 2001, the others were The Game and Arlington Rd. They all got a little tipsy and eventually decided on a threesome. Anyways they had a great night and nine months (or closer to years) later out popped a little film that has a part of each of its parents in it and totally kicks ass. I introduce Eagle Eye starring the up and nearly-overtaking-everyone as the Hollywood yes man (boy) Shia LaBeouf and the delectable Michelle Monaghan.
Jerry Shaw (LaBeouf) and Rachel Holloman (Monaghan) are two strangers thrown together by a mysterious phone call from a woman they have never met. Threatening their lives and family, she pushes Jerry and Rachel into a series of increasingly dangerous situations, using the technology of everyday life to track and control their every move. As the situation escalates, these two ordinary people become the country's most wanted fugitives, who must work together to discover what is really happening -– and more importantly, why.
I totally loved it and was enthralled 95% of the time and mesmerised by this return to high end action films. It starts pretty quickly and the pace does not relent. You get to see gun fights, big things blowing up, lots of smashed windows, car chases, high tech gadgetry and everything else they could pack into the film. It's like a guy film orgasm! But ladies will like it for the kind of sexy Shia and they can bond with the most beautiful and talented Michelle. This is a film for everyone. And the great thing about the high paced action film is that these characters have a story, they aren't heroes in any way but become champions. Shia develops over the film from boy to man. They come across as real and exhibit the emotions you would expect if thrown into this situation.
The story was originally conceived in 1996, Caruso said by the time the film came to fruition 12 years later, "the technology had finally caught up to the storytelling. ... Everybody has a BlackBerry or an iPhone on their belt, and we think we're constantly being tracked. It's less science fiction than when Steven (Spielberg) conceived it." Caruso wanted to bring a gritty, 1970s-era sensibility to the film. Accordingly, a key chase scene in a high-tech package-processing hub on conveyor belts was shot without the use of computer-generated imagery. "It was like Snakes and Ladders for adults. It was pretty dangerous, and a lot of fun. While filming the scene, Monaghan suffered a welt after a cable brushed her neck and Caruso hit his head on a protruding bolt, requiring stitches.
There were two things that slightly annoyed me. 1) Billy Bob Thornton and his hair. It's like he is having hair replacement treatment and popped in between treatments to film scenes. That and I just didn't think he suited the role. Normally I love his work, but he was just too old for this one. This needed someone a bit more vibrant. Also, his character's story was a bit too predictable and throw away. 2) There is a major reveal in the film (which I will not mention here or John Doe may scalp me) that I found just came way to early - I thought it would have gone on more before being introduced as a major plot piece.
The production values of this film are high and very professional, when you have Spielberg working with DJ Caruso and what looks like unlimited budget then things get done properly. The acting is strong - the first time I saw Shia in Holes as Stanlel Yelnats I thought he was very talented for his age and stole the whole movie and now he is starring in what will soon be three of the biggest movies released in the last 2yrs. He is flawless. Michelle Monaghan is a great pairing for him and I am so glad they kept it as two people thrown into a situation. If this was made 10yrs ago - somewhere in the midst of near death high octane action they would have stopped somewhere for a night just so we could get a love/ sex scene. It would not have worked in this film and would have made Michelle a bit cougarish. Shia still has boy written all over him. Rosario Dawson and Billy Bob are ok - but just throw away characters that were kind of like fleas on a dog, there and sometimes annoying. The voice you hear in the trailer and in the film directing them on their unwanted adventure was so familiar - I could have sworn it was Julianne Moore but can't find any info anywhere as to who the voice is. Tres Annoying!!
This is a no nonsense action film with high octane thrills. It is not vying for awards but wants to strap you in and make you enjoy the ride. If you look at your watch in this film then BOO you!! Loved it and worth the $14-.
PS: Note to Matt Damon, Brad Pitt and Leo - watch out, as far as bankability goes, Shia is on one fast horse approaching you guys. His next Transformers film may make him the number one actor for hire!
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Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I am the saint of Spoilers it seems, protecting those in the dark.
I've been wondering about this one. It just looks so derivative and predicatable, but admittedly its teh type of film I can enjoy when done well.
Michelle Monaghan is one of my faves from Kiss Kiss bang Bang and Gone baby Gone. Shia shows promise love him in A Guide to recognizing your Saints. he wasn't bad in Disturbia, but I hated the film, so by teh numbers it was ridiculous.
As for DJ Caruso I liked the Salton Sea but after that he seems to have fallen off.
Still undecided, but a review will probably pop up if i do end up seeing it.
Comment by Jason King
Sydney Table
Salty Popcorn
Total Randomness
I have never seen A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints - so will have to hire it out. Nor have I seen Salton Sea - my bad! Agree re Disturbia but I still enjoyed it, probably Shia's screen presence had a lot to do with that! I LOVED KISS KISS!!!
Look forward to reading your review!
Comment by Morgan Bell
Science News
Deep Pencil
Business News
Movie Train
Artist Quirk
oh and this is perhaps the best opening line of a review EVER haha
Comment by Jason King
Sydney Table
Salty Popcorn
Total Randomness
I also think Michelle Monaghan has the best hair EVER. She is a walking ad for conditioner.
Comment by Morgan Bell
Science News
Deep Pencil
Business News
Movie Train
Artist Quirk
thanks luv xx
Comment by Jason King
Sydney Table
Salty Popcorn
Total Randomness
You might be able to use it in Tazz!