Eagle Eye: an action movie review

June 20, 9:03 PMHartford Movie Reviews ExaminerPete Clark

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Do you like electronic gadgets, government intrigue, and an overwhelming sense of paranoia? Well then, Eagle Eye may be right up your alley. Eagle Eye is a very fast-paced and cleverly written action/adventure film starring Shia LaBeouf and Michelle Monaghan.

Jerry Shaw (LaBeouf) is an intelligent but unmotivated slacker. His twin brother has recently been killed in a car accident. On the same day, Jerry finds himself being framed as a terrorist. He is followed by a mysterious female voice via phone and every other conceivable electronic device. His unwilling accomplice, Rachel Holloman (Monaghan) is helping because her son's life has been threatened. The two have a lightning-paced adventure of dodging the government while trying to accomplish a number of seemingly unrelated goals.

The film features a very engrossing plot which reveals enough to keep the viewer intrigued without giving away the whole story until late in the film. The action sequences are seamlessly edited and there is a scene in a DC street tunnel featuring an automated spy plane that is exceptional.

The acting is solid throughout including an intense turn by Billy Bob Thornton as the FBI agent trying to capture Shaw. The film also features strong work from Rosario Dawson as well as from the two leads. LaBeouf, whom I generally feel compelled to strike with a pickaxe, manages to avoid his usually smarmy winking and instead portrays an honestly perplexed but heroic character that I found myself rooting for. 

This movie grades a solid 4 out of 5. It willl especially appeal to those who enjoyed the film Enemy of the State.