2008 Woodie Awards
LaBeouf vehicle full of action, lacks necessary depth
Issue date: 10/6/08 Section: Arts & Culture
Eagle Eye-B
Filled to the brim with loads of fast-paced action and captivating characters, action-adventure thriller Eagle Eye delivers to fans of the genre and newcomers alike.
Featuring an interesting collection of characters and an almost totally believable story, the film succeeds in convincing the audience that every bad thing they suspect about the government is absolutely true.
Here, the very technology we depend on and utilize everyday is used as a device to cripple us and force us into situations where we can't win.
During the course of the film, two characters find themselves in a corner and truly understand their capacity for survival when everything is seemingly stacked against them.
The film opens with Jerry Shaw (Shia LeBeouf) working a dead-end job and living an unfulfilling life.
His life runs on a typically monotonous cycle until he gets a call from his estranged parents. The call comes to inform him that his twin brother is now dead.
The viewer is then introduced to the fact that Jerry is not only living a lackluster life but is the less fortunate twin.
While he is living below the poverty line, his brother was one of the military's highest decorated soldiers.
To compound the tragedy of the funeral, once a grieving Jerry comes back to his tiny apartment he finds it filled with military grade weapons, documents and explosives.
To accompany this treasure trove of illegal paraphernalia, there is an ominous call to his phone that seems to always be one step ahead of him and fully in control of his every move.
The situation multiplies once a single mother is pulled directly into the line of fire by the same ominous voice over the phone.
Soon, the two of them are working together at the voice's command, en route to Washington DC.
The film that follows allows the viewer to see exactly how powerless everyone is the moment they log-in.
Each cell phone, camera, traffic light and GPS system is a means for Americans to be tracked and subsequently controlled.
In a series of startling chases and action sequences, Eagle Eye pushes viewers and the characters to their limits and even forces a few thought-provoking issues. Are we really that vulnerable? Can anyone with access to our technology take us over?
The sad reality is yes.
While Eagle Eye delivers in action and suspense, this film will ultimately leave too many questions.
There is no real consequence to the technology that has made all of the evil and invasion possible.
Bottom Line: Though there is action and a great cast, the film fails to go deep enough into the issues that make this type of film necessary.
Gregory Brand Jr.•
Filled to the brim with loads of fast-paced action and captivating characters, action-adventure thriller Eagle Eye delivers to fans of the genre and newcomers alike.
Featuring an interesting collection of characters and an almost totally believable story, the film succeeds in convincing the audience that every bad thing they suspect about the government is absolutely true.
Here, the very technology we depend on and utilize everyday is used as a device to cripple us and force us into situations where we can't win.
During the course of the film, two characters find themselves in a corner and truly understand their capacity for survival when everything is seemingly stacked against them.
The film opens with Jerry Shaw (Shia LeBeouf) working a dead-end job and living an unfulfilling life.
His life runs on a typically monotonous cycle until he gets a call from his estranged parents. The call comes to inform him that his twin brother is now dead.
The viewer is then introduced to the fact that Jerry is not only living a lackluster life but is the less fortunate twin.
While he is living below the poverty line, his brother was one of the military's highest decorated soldiers.
To compound the tragedy of the funeral, once a grieving Jerry comes back to his tiny apartment he finds it filled with military grade weapons, documents and explosives.
To accompany this treasure trove of illegal paraphernalia, there is an ominous call to his phone that seems to always be one step ahead of him and fully in control of his every move.
The situation multiplies once a single mother is pulled directly into the line of fire by the same ominous voice over the phone.
Soon, the two of them are working together at the voice's command, en route to Washington DC.
The film that follows allows the viewer to see exactly how powerless everyone is the moment they log-in.
Each cell phone, camera, traffic light and GPS system is a means for Americans to be tracked and subsequently controlled.
In a series of startling chases and action sequences, Eagle Eye pushes viewers and the characters to their limits and even forces a few thought-provoking issues. Are we really that vulnerable? Can anyone with access to our technology take us over?
The sad reality is yes.
While Eagle Eye delivers in action and suspense, this film will ultimately leave too many questions.
There is no real consequence to the technology that has made all of the evil and invasion possible.
Bottom Line: Though there is action and a great cast, the film fails to go deep enough into the issues that make this type of film necessary.
Gregory Brand Jr.•
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