REVIEW: Eagle Eye (12A)

The jury seems to be out on Shia LaBeouf. To some, he is one of Hollywood’s top up-and-comers, an old-style movie star capable of turning out moody thrillers (Disturbia) whilst flexing his muscles in brash action blockbusters (Transformers). To others, he’s the annoying wally who swung through trees in this year’s disappointing Indiana Jones instalment. Regardless of your view, he’s here to stay with Spielberg & Lucas falling over each other to cast him in future projects (not to mention the Transformers sequel next year).

In Eagle Eye, he plays Jerry, a drifter constantly living in the shadow of his successful twin brother Ethan. Days after Ethan dies in a car crash, Jerry finds his apartment full of weapons and his bank account full of cash. His phone rings and the voice tells him to do exactly as they say or he will die. The mysterious organisation seems to control all technology, and is tracking every step Jerry takes. Paired with an equally beleaguered single mum (Michelle Monaghan), he jumps through all the hoops in order to keep himself alive, whilst trying to evade the FBI agent (Billy Bob Thornton) chasing them.  

The ‘we are watching you’ nature is a good one, very similar to Will Smith’s excellent Enemy of The State, with the story device of an omnipotent force throwing a completely innocent man into a world of chaos. What lets the film down, however, is whenever it tends to get too political. The pseudo-topical stance the script takes is a cover for a basic action-thriller, with car chases and explosions more prominent than any kind of theological debate. So whenever nods are made towards post-9/11 paranoia and a government not working in the interests of its people, the sentiments feel a little stodgy (especially given the film’s slightly ludicrous climax and cheesy coda).

Eagle Eye’s saving grace is a rather well chosen cast. LaBeouf gives a performance that’s a lot more adult than previous films, playing a loser who sees his predicament as a chance to redeem himself.  Monaghan’s straight-laced single mum clashes well with his character, and making them a duo (as opposed to just Jerry on the run) works much better. Thornton is always good value, despite looking rather uninterested throughout. It’s a shame Rosario Dawson’s air force investigator and Michael Chiklis’ government official don’t get more screen time, as they both put across a refreshingly even portrayal of ‘those in charge’.

Overall, a great Saturday night action film, with pretensions towards political comment that are commendable, if a little out of place. It won’t convince you to join any protest groups, but may have you looking over your shoulder for a few hours after.