Big sister is watching you
There are always films out there that shake their finger at technology. It started with Kubrick’s 2001. You have HAL that has malfunctioned and taken control of the ship. HAL has killed everyone onboard except for a man named Dave. In Cameron’s Terminator, it tells of a bleak future where a self-thinking computer has taken control of everything technology related and has killed off mankind. These movies are epic with that ‘never depend on technology’ message. Eagle Eye is a new take on this message. While I won’t go too far into it, because I don’t want to ruin it (though you figure it out nearly half-way through).
Jerry Shaw is a normal individual who finds himself in trouble with the FBI when weapons and chemicals show up at his apartment. Confused, he soon is paired with an equally confused partner, named Rachel Holloman, who has found herself in a bit of terrible situation as well. Jerry Shaw has been ordered, by a female voice, to work with Rachel Holloman to complete certain tasks that lead up to a very important event. If Jerry doesn’t complete the task, he dies. If Rachel doesn’t complete the tasks, her son dies. On top of this, they have to escape the police, the FBI and the Air Force. Time is the element that they’re most against, though.
The first message, which is explained in the first paragraph, is self-evident. The underlying, deeper message is finding something in your life that matters and finding purpose in that thing. For Jerry, finding a point to his life and live up to his brother’s (who died — sorry) legend, is his purpose. He’s a bit lost. For Rachel, she has to live for her son and not blow off things (like her son’s concert in D.C., which she intended to miss). This is a deeper, yet very shallow message that the movie conveys. It helps gives the characters so sense of purpose and makes them more than just running bodies. It also gives a more emotional dimension to the characters, which is fantastic. You feel for Jerry and Rachel and understand why they keep doing what they’re doing. Of course, at the end of the day, it all comes back to the first message that this movie portrays. Why am I telling you this? Well, I want you to know that this is more than just an action film, the filmmakers tried to make this more, most filmmakers who do action films don’t go that extra step. If you were raised in the 80s (preferably early), you know that action films have a one-dimensional feel to them. There wasn’t much to them. Occasionally, you’ll have action films, especially in the 90s, that try this one-dimensional storytelling and they usually come out cheesy. Eagle Eye is different, it tries to give a more intelligent storyline that is packed with action. It’s rare to find stories like this.
Now, speaking of stories, the only problem I saw with the film was maybe it was shooting for something a bit too far-fetched in regards to technology. I can’t get into it because I don’t want to ruin the main plot point, but when you find out who is behind everything, you might feel a bit skeptical. I know I was, but after the features (which are explained below), it might help things out a bit in the believability department. In other words, I forgive them for this.
As for the performances, the actors/actresses were perfect. Shia LaBeouf is a fantastic actor. I know people can’t get the Even Stevens show out of their mind, or his stint as Mutt in the most recent Indy, but he’s got some depth to his acting. He can play a good ‘frantic’, ‘sad’ or ‘mad’. For this movie, it fits the bill. He leads the film and makes it work. Michelle Monaghan was a perfect compliment to his character. She plays a good MIL… err… mother. She’s strong and she does what’s in the best interest of her son. That’s the perfect mom. As for Billy Bob Thorton, did I see this role in Armageddon? He is still good. Combined, these main characters drive the film and keep it interesting.
Fantastic features that will make you avoid any kind of ESC
First, that was the lamest headline I’ve created for a features section. For that, I apologize.
Second, the audio and video are just simply out-of-this-world tasty to the eyes and ears. You’ll love the great 1080p transfer that the Blu-ray sports. Action movies really carry this format well, almost the flagship genre for the format. You’ll get plenty of visual opportunities to hug your television due to flashing lights, pretty Blacks/Whites/Reds/Blues and enormous sets with flushed out lighting (a good example of Whites). All of these colors shine perfectly through your HD set. As for audio, you get such a buffet of sound effects and fast-paced moments that your speakers will probably be gasping for air at the end of the film. This is why Blu-ray is my preferred choice of formats, it’s better than a theatrical experience (at least in Lexington, Kentucky).
Finally, as for the features, you have a wide variety to see. You get a nice ‘making of’ featurette that is around 30-45 minutes in length. It’s in-depth about the production process, quite good and very much in HD. You also get a nice featurette on technology and locations for the shoot. Now, the lamest feature (only because it brings down the excitement level that the movie and other features have already established) is the “Shall We Play a Game?” I’m a huge fan of War Games and was expecting something along those lines of interest. What I got was a ‘let’s go down memory lane’ experience between two people. Not very exciting or interesting (well, maybe to film professors). Now, the Deleted Scenes were good. I’m not sure why they left them out, but you’ll get the most kick out of the alternate ending. That should have been the ending, not sure why it wasn’t. Just such a great way to end a film.