Junior’s Rating ** out of *****

Shia LaBeouf, Michelle Monaghan, Rosario Dawson, Michael Chiklis, Anthony Mackie

My recollection of the two hours I spent watching Eagle Eye will include precious few favorable comments but I can tell you that the film’s endless car chases, over-the-top explosions, and general cacophonic chaos are occasionally interrupted by clever quips delivered in deliciously deadpan fashion by Billy Bob Thornton.  These are the film’s only high points and they should be savored when they mercifully appear to provide relief from Eagle Eye’s preposterous story.  It’s doubtful that this dog will derail Shia Lebouf’s popularity train but I wasn’t particularly impressed with him or any of his costars.  Those of us old enough to remember 2001: A Space Odyssey will find the plot line familiar but this is by no means an homage to that classic.  Eagle Eye is a convoluted mess that offers little of value beyond Mr. Thornton’s periodic moments of brilliance.