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Disturbia (Widescreen Edition)
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Customer Reviews
Rating:  - I think I'm done
If this is the state that modern "culture" is in, we are all in BIG trouble. You see, in the past, there were shallow idiots... but they were not glorified and pandered to. I must tell you in the strictest confidence that I would willingly flog within an inch of his/her life everybody involved in the making of this thing. For this and only this is what they deserve. Shame on you for not attempting to edify the rising generations of morons. Shame!
Rating:  - Forgettable yet entertaining...
Shia LaBeouf is the new `it-boy' in Hollywood I presume. First we have `Disturbia', the `Transformers' and soon the new `Indy' flick. In `Disturbia' he takes on the teen-horror flick and does so well enough. `Disturbia' is not brilliant, and it is nothing new, but thanks to some well placed intensity it does serve it's purpose in getting under our skin.
Kale Brecht is a tad bit troubled after losing his father to a devastating car accident. His bottled rage leads him to slugging out his Spanish teacher and lands him under house-arrest. With a lot of spare time on his hands Kale finds himself spying on the neighbors. There's the little boys across the street that watch adult movies while their mother isn't around. There's the hot young thing across the street named Ashley. And then there's the creepy next door neighbor, Robert Turner (not to be mistaken for Robbie Turner, the doomed hero from `Atonement'), who may or may not be a crazed serial killer from Texas.
Following the formula of obvious inspiration `Rear Window' yet incorporating a whole vast array of new age gadgets and tricks, `Disturbia' manages to become its own little movie instead of a tired copycat.
Shia LeBeouf is believable here as the hero. His teenage curiosity and immature approach is realistic and engaging. Sarah Roemer is so-so at best as his love interest Ashley. She's pretty, I'll give her that, but she's not too impressive on the acting side of it all. Aaron Yoo, the sidekick best friend, is funny and entertaining. The real star though is David Morse who is just brilliantly on point as the creepy next door neighbor. He's always a brilliant villain and here he doesn't disappoint. I really wish he would get some high profile gigs. Carrie-Anne Moss is a little lost here (the script has no use for her until the very end) but that doesn't mean she doesn't try.
In the end `Disturbia' comes off a little `Rear Window', a little `Domestic Disturbance', maybe even a little `The Cell' (it's all in the ending) but it's all its own movie. It's not the most memorable thriller fare to come around but it's fun and entertaining and worth a go.
Rating: - Thriller for teenagers
If you are looking for a light thriller, this one is the film for you. A troubled young man gets confined to house arrest. When his mother suspends his e-mail account, x-Box video games and other communication toys he takes for granted, he has nothing left but to observe his neighbours in order to avoid his boredom. With comical best buddy scenes and sexy girl next door, he has to find ways to keep them coming back so he is not too lonely in his confinement during hot summer days. As luck has it, his neighbor next doo turns out to be a serial killer, so the game of the cat and mouse starts. All ends well when cops close their murder case(s) and our young lad finally gets off for "good behavior". This is no "Silence of the Lambs" but it will keep you entertained. Lots of funny moments in this film despite the fact that this is a thriller. It is definitely geared towards younger audiences.
Rating:  - A slowly-protruding thriller that should not be missed.
Shia LeBeouf is outstanding in this movie. Besides being an eye-catcher to the ladies, he actually shows good emotion throughout, the key scene being the car crash.
He's on house arrest for punching out a totally disrespectful teacher who stepped out of line. Instead of doing anything productive, he plays army games online with the headset and all, mimicking one of the many interests of my eldest brother, eating so unhealthily and trying oh so hard to stay out of trouble while unable to do anything at all.
The neighborhood he happens to live in is anything but boring. There's a cheating spouse over yonder, a hot new neighborhood girl next door (Ashley) and a possible killer across the street who mows his lawn all too often.
It's a suspenseful thriller at heart but you really wouldn't know that unless you looked at your guide or heard about it previously to watching the film. The actual action slowly, slowly comes about. But it's all worth it in the end.
Without destroying the major highlights of this movie I will say that this movie takes many turns; some that you will predict easily and some that will leave you speechless. There were only a few moments where I wasn't that interested in the movie and I still don't understand the "low" rating here.
In fact, I liked the movie so much, especially by the ending that I will refuse to look at a lot of negative reviews here. I usually look at both, tend to check out the 3's and 2's first but won't do so for this one.
It is what it is and I found that interesting. The characters were well-rounded, the questions I had throughout the movie were answered (minus maybe one) and the acting was more than decent.
Worth your time and recommended.
4.3 stars.
End note: Ashley playing hard to get was one of the most awesome personal parts in the movie. What Shia admits to her on the roof when she holds his Ipod was the true highlight in this aspect as well as one of the highlights of the movie period.
The alternative music that Shia jammed to in this film was pretty good. I didn't actually know any of the artists because I tend to listen to poppier rock but one of the bands sounded like something my cousin would listen to.
End note: Watch it!!
Rating: - Don't Spy On Thy Neighbor
Many years ago, Alfred Hitchcock showed viewers what could happen when we spy on the wrong neighbor and find out some business we weren't supposed too. Now, decades later, director D.J. Caruso thinks we all need a refresher course in this fun, stylish, and entertaining little thriller. While this movie may not be wildly original, I saw it the same day as "The Hitcher" re-make, so it seemed like a breath of fresh air!.
17 year old Kale(Shia LaBeauf)suffers a horrible tragedy early in the film. A year later, things are obviously different for him. He gets in trouble for punching a teacher at school, and is sentenced to 3 months house arrest(complete with an ankle monitor that would make Martha Stewart jealous). Basically trapped with only so far he can go from his lawn before it goes off, Kale ends up spending his time spying on his neighbors. A hot new girl named Ashley(Sarah Roemer)moves in next door and, while romance blossoms, something else pops up. A neighbor named Mr. Turner(the great David Morse), may or may not be a serial killer. And Kale and his friends may or may not be next.
The movie is pretty well set up, and the idea of the leg monitor and having restricted access to the outside world was a fun idea that is used to it's worth. It creates some fun moments, and some genuinely suspenseful ones as well. These moments of the film are pretty effective and well planned. We've all pretty much seen it before, but director Caruso and his talented cast make it a lot of fun, with characters and situations we actually like. It's all very slick and entertaining.
I am not one that has yet jumped on the Shia bandwagon, but it is clear that the guy has talent and is going somewhere. His Kale comes across as a genuine kid who has been through something. His buddy is the comical relief, and Sarah Roemer as Ashley is a beauty. Carrie Ann-Moss has the typical role as Kale's mother. But it was David Morse who made the movie to me. His face looks like it has a history. One minute he seems very quiet, shy, and like he couldn't hurt a fly. The next second you are unsure. Could this guy kill someone?. He gave the best performance of the movie for me.
"Disturbia" isn't treading new ground, but it delivered a pretty fun, well made, entertaining thrill ride that I enjoyed quite a lot from beginning to end. The performances were acceptable(some more than others), and the direction slick and polished. An updated, modern day version of "Rear Window" that should be given a look. If I ever have the urge to take a peek outside my window and see what is going on with my neighbors....I hope it passes.
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