If Shaw and Holloman are such pivotal characters, why throw them from buildings and send them into massive car pileups? Isn’t there an easier way to reach their final destination than via a highly secured airport? I can accept a stretch here and there, but enough occurs here to make your head spin. When we finally discover the voice’s goal, it reveals far too many plot holes to even discuss in one sitting. The ultimate revelation is hardly a shock and shows the four screenwriters’ unwillingness to say anything relevant. A mysterious woman’s GPS-like voice calls with instructions that should be followed, or else. Jerry Shaw (Shia LaBeouf) and Rachel Holloman (Michelle Monaghan) are the innocents thrust into the unrelenting action. Caruso’s Eagle Eye might pretend to criticize our increasing reliance on technology, but it’s really just the setting for a big dumb movie. When the real government struggles to do even the basic things correctly, it’s hard to believe it could ever build a powerful, all-seeing device.ĭ.J.
It’s difficult to create tension if an omnipotent force can drop power lines on unsuspecting enemies whenever it wants. However, lazy filmmakers who choose a simpler path could risk delivering a dull, mind-numbing experience.
It could even be the model for an old-school Hitchcock film, updated with modern touches. This material is perfect for a suspense thriller, with the big bad government chasing down the idealistic, possibly clueless everyman. In fact, a little film called Enemy of the State covered this territory 10 years ago. With news stories on unlawful surveillance becoming commonplace, it’s hardly a stretch to think the worst is happening.