Why Ana's "Eagle Eye" Sucked Balls!

So after all this Ana talk about the blockbuster, “Eagle Eye,” I finally forked over the $15 last night to have the full experience in I-MAX.  Just in case you’re worried, I will not give away any spoilers and just explain my frustrations with this movie that had a price tag of almost $100 million.  In no way am I trying to give Ana a hard time, but as Ana mentioned, I find it completely absurd that people stood up and clapped for this pathetic 2008 political remake of Speed (yeah, that movie with that goofball Keanu Reeves).  What infuriates me more is how directors pull interesting ideas such as the implications of new technology/surveillance from our society, and destroy it with unbelievable, chase ‘em up, crap with special effects.

Before my bitterness comes to full fruition, let me first say that despite my criticism, Eagle Eye was entertaining.  With that said, this movie could be 100x more entertaining and worth my while if the makers paid more attention to the script and acting.  Let me first start with the acting, specifically the main actor, Shia LaBeouf.  I just don’t get it; these so-called actors are a dime a dozen in Hollywood and have as much depth to them as the dookie I just dropped in the crapper.  Don’t get me wrong, Shia serves this movie just right with the exception of those never ending close-ups where each shot I feared a herpe breakout on Shia's lower lip (maybe Shia just has lip injections?).  Hey, I give credit to this movie for adding a little gritty reality to their cast along with main actress’s bumpy face, but let me move on to a couple of other more famous actors who failed miserably.  Billy Bob Thorton (lead FBI agent) – what has happened to you?  I remember the days when you actually acted (Sling Blade), and now you’re merely another Tom Cruise playing Billy Bob in another movie.  I know Spencer thinks Rosario Dawson is amazing but same goes for you and your one-dimensional, plastic role. 

Now let me go to the heart of my frustrations.  When the main actors aren’t in absurd car chases and jumping out of windows, this movie briefly touches on some very scary realities that lie ahead for the American people.  Instead of actually experiencing the power of film, the viewer is left on a wild goose chase that defies reality.  If you’re going to make a movie dealing with such serious issues, make it real for the people.  I understand people sometimes go to the movies to be entertained, but save this style of movie making for the doomsday movies.  To end, after walking out of the movie I heard a lady make a comment to her boyfriend before headed to the Jon that sums up this movie just perfectly – “Ridiculous!”
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The beloved TYT co-host and new co-host of At The Movies (Yes, Ben) really liked it as well. He said so on At The Movies.

Not that people are piling on Ana, but if they were hypothetically speaking, I'd have to point that out.

;)

by ihavenobias on 10/02/2008 02:28:37 PM EST

I'm not "piling" on Ana at all and everyone's free to their own opinion. I'm surprised you didn't defend the main actess bias, though from what I take it, you didn't see the movie.

I'd love to see that "At The Movies with Ben" praising Eagle Eye.  Really Mr. Mankiewicz - Really?  I think I know Ben better than that and makes me think something funny is going on a la TMZ.  Wasn't Ben the one who railed against Hollywood on the show for not putting an once of time in the script-writing process? 

by rev24 on 10/02/2008 02:43:00 PM EST

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Oh, wait, never mind.

I thought you were talking about something else.

by ProfRich on 10/02/2008 02:50:36 PM EST

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I love Ana as much as everyone, but you talk like someone who has an actual interest in good quality cinema and who watches a lot of movies. Ana thinks that Titanic is the best movie ever made. She's a fabulous person, but I wouldn't trust her judgement when it comes to movies.

by reverendsister on 10/03/2008 09:27:23 PM EST

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maybe it would be fun in an I-max to see some of the chase scenes.  I'm going to see Religulus tomorrow in Seattle.  I'm not a huge fan of Maher, but a good excuse to get some good food and laugh at Christians.

by desertpear on 10/02/2008 02:34:13 PM EST

We're going to see it tomorrow or Saturday.

by ihavenobias on 10/02/2008 03:07:02 PM EST

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A couple days ago I was going to wait for Religulus to come out on DVD, but after hearing Maron ream Garofalo (near the end) over Maher's ironic dogmatic views on religion, I think I'm going to have to catch this in the theater so I can stay up on the gossip. 

by rev24 on 10/02/2008 03:36:27 PM EST

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I think it will be nice to sit in a whole theater full of rational people making fun of religion. 

by desertpear on 10/02/2008 03:43:19 PM EST

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I loved that exchange as well.  Maron and Seder are a great team.  When is TYT going to put one (or both) of them on to promote their new show?

by Spencer on 10/02/2008 03:43:44 PM EST

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You always hear Marc and Sam complaining about lack of exposure so why not a TYT appearance!  I've said this before but their new videos for Maron v. Seder are creative, comedic classics!

I knew I could count on you Spencer for giving "Eagle Eye" a thumbs up due to Rosario Dawson.  I suppose if Mindy Kaling was in an unworthy flick, I'd be tempted to give it a thumbs up in a poll as well. 

by rev24 on 10/02/2008 04:46:44 PM EST

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I didn't even know she was in it, but now I pretty much have to see it.  I've sat through some real shit to just look at her (This Revolution anyone?).  It's sad really...

by Spencer on 10/02/2008 05:33:49 PM EST

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when he said religion is just an opinion.  I've never heard it framed that way, but it's brilliant.

Also, on the Daily Show he explained he's not an atheist, because he thinks the absolute certainty of atheists doesnt' make sense, just as the absolute certainty of theists doesn't make sense.

Apparently he's an agnostic or non-theist depending on how you define those terms. A very honest, respectable position to say "I don't know 100%, but based on logic, reason and the evidence we have, that's f*ng nuts". Or something like that.

by ihavenobias on 10/02/2008 04:49:00 PM EST

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My problem with Maher is that on numerous occasions I’ve seen him mock people’s faith/relationship with God or another higher power.  Don’t get me wrong, I have my own issues with religion, especially when people are so adamant in their beliefs that it carries over in their views of other non-believers and/or other religions.  Let me make myself clear – I feel there is a huge need to challenge religion especially when it seeps into our politics, but who the f*c is Bill Maher to say that he knows something intangible doesn’t exist? 

Nevertheless, I find Bill to very entertaining and insightful.  I’m also curious to see if he will rally against the religion/spirituality of Native Americans in his movie since he does live in California.

by rev24 on 10/02/2008 05:14:21 PM EST

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I read that he stuck to evangelical Christianity, Islam, and Judaism (I think I got that right).  He doesn't address native American spirituality or eastern religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism.  I'm sort of thankful for that, even if all religions have some amount of ridiculousness.

by desertpear on 10/02/2008 05:25:30 PM EST

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Who are the believers to say the atheists and agnostics are uninformed and going to burn in hell (a much more common belief BTW)?

Look, when you have two sides and one is based on logic, reason and observable/verifiable evidence (and one isn't...at all), what's wrong with making bold statements about it?

He's honest about the fact that he can't disprove God's existence, but the burden of proof isn't on him.


I've said it before and I'll say it again: I respect the right for people to believe in any number of things, but there is absolutely no reason that I have respect all of the beliefs themselves.


For example, I respect *the right* to believe that Elvis is still alive and that dinosaurs and humans lived at the same time on earth. But I do NOT respect those beliefs. They are ridiculous, illogical and not supported by any legitimate evidence.


This is where someone uses the Faith Shield(TM) to deflect any and all reasonable criticism, which is an absurd and frustrating cop-out. BULLSHIT. Who is Bill Maher to mock (for example) the beliefs of scientologists? He's a rational human being.

That doesn't mean he's always right but I refuse to accept the false equivalency put forward by some.

by ihavenobias on 10/02/2008 07:42:56 PM EST

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I don't really care what people believe; I care how they behave in the world.  I'm tired of hearing evangelicals like Sarah say they want our nation to be For Life while starting wars that kill hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians.

by desertpear on 10/02/2008 08:25:52 PM EST

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Still, a lot of the people that have irrational beliefs also have and or support irrational behaviors and laws.

Fighting against stem cell research, contraception and the right to choose, etc.

I think religious fundamentalism in any form is bad. It's one thing to have something to get you through tough times and another to try and use these beliefs to justify the things I just mentioned, along with suicide bombings, repression of women (and hell, repression of normal human behavior, etc.).

But look, if the topic comes up and someone says that Elvis is alive, why should I get shit for being honest and saying "yeah, that's a little crazy"? Where is the respect for the belief that some beliefs are completely illogical and irrational?

:)

by ihavenobias on 10/02/2008 09:43:22 PM EST

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