My completely biased review of “Eagle Eye”

Posted by Movie_Maven

October 3, 2008 |

Mr_Movie_Maven and I treated ourselves to a matinee, sans children, this afternoon with some spare change we found in the sofa. We compromised on “Eagle Eye”, starring Shia LeBeouf, Michelle Monaghan, Billy Bob Thornton (who really needs to do something about his oversized teeth), and Rosario Dawson, and directed by D.J. Caruso (of “Disturbia” fame.)

First, let me preface my review with, “It’s a movie, people!”

That said, I thoroughly enjoyed (as did Mr_Movie_Maven) this highly entertaining if quite unplausible and convoluted story from start to finish. Based upon the premise that there is a military-designed-and-funded master computer which analyzes us all via our computer activities, cell phone usage, and academic prowess (stay in school kids), among other factors, and is able to “activate” any one of us to fulfill our destiny as citizens of the United States as provided for in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. Confused yet?

Now throw in a bit of anti-terrorism (because what movie doesn’t have some form of that in it these days?), some really good CG effects (for a change), lots of heavy artillery, dead people, exploding crystals, an elementary school band, Stephen Spielberg’s money, and the uncredited HAL-like smoothness of Julianne Moore’s voice, and you get an action-packed, summer blockbuster wanna-be thrill ride of a movie which, for some reason, attracted considerable criticism from both critics and “regular” folks like us.

Like I said, “It’s a movie.” Entertaining. Not going to get any Oscars for acting or direction (maybe sound), but fun nonetheless.

Now, I’d better log off (and quickly check my email and my MySpace) before someone “finds” me.