Eagle Eye

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: September 16, 2008

DVD Release Date: December 27, 2008

Plot 411: Jerry receives instructions from a mysterious caller and must follow her instructions or face being arrested.

Review: Jerry (Shia LaBeouf) returns home to find his apartment filled with bomb-building materials. Thoroughly confused, Jerry receives a call from a woman (Julianne Moore) who informs him that the FBI are coming and he must escape. Instead, he hesitates and is caught by Agent Morgan (Billy Bob Thornton). The next time the woman calls, Jerry listens and soon he finds himself partnering up with Rachel (Michelle Monaghan). This is a good movie for those who like action and suspense. I enjoyed it a lot more than Transformers: Rise Of The Fallen, but then again, that's not saying much is it? I'm still not convinced that LaBeouf is a good actor. He keeps picking these action films, but I don't think he has the right look for them. I thought it was very odd that the two main characters, Jerry and Rachel, didn't end up as a couple. Isn't that how all of these things work? Wonder what that says about me (or how society has condition me to think)? Anyway, the other aspect of this film that was overtly obvious was that technology is becoming too advanced for humans to control, and this is a cautioning tale about the evils of science and technology. Not really new and not really carried out in a new way. Also in this film are Rosario Dawson, Michael Chiklis, Ethan Embry and Anthony Mackie.

Watch It: If you like conspiracy theories and governmental cover ups.

Skip It: Because it's a little heavy handed with its socio-political message.

Blood In, Blood Out / Bound By Honor

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: April 16, 1993

DVD Release Date: June 13, 2000

Plot 411: A story about the lives of three young men growing up in East L.A.

Review: This movie was recommended to me by a co-worker, and dayum was he right about it being awesome. It's the story of three guys who grew up in the barrio of East Los and how their lives turned out. Miklos (Damian Chapa) is half white and half Mexican. Because of this, he's always been an outsider and had to prove his loyalty and heritage. With his brown hair and striking blue eyes, he's had to fight for his respect even within his own family. Because of this he ends up in San Quentin and hooks up with the Spanish gangs. Miklos' cousin Paco (Benjamin Bratt) starts off as a punk who doesn't back down from anything. He's an instigator and not afraid to take revenge on a rival gang when his young brother Cruz (Jesse Borrega) is jumped and severely injured. Rather than go to jail, Paco joins the Marines and becomes a cop patrolling his old 'hood. After the attack, Cruz becomes hooked on drugs and uses his injuries as an excuse. When their kid brother accidently overdoses using one of Cruz's needles, he spirals even further. As the plot unfolds you realize how great this movie is because of its authenticity. From the gangs and drugs to the importance of family, this movie really works on many levels. It expertly weaves together different themes for each character. It'll leave you wanting more. Also playing supporting roles are Delroy Lindo, Billy Bob Thornton, Ving Rhames and Danny Trejo.

Watch It: Because this movie will make you rediscover all that is Benjamin Bratt. Where the heck has this guy been lately? He needs to get out of TV and get back into movies!

Skip It: Because despite Bratt's appeal, it's hard to get past all of Chapa's close ups. I know his character's an intense dude, but the expression on his face used to portray this is just painful. His earnestness, while definitely touching, is completely over the top. Dial it down homes.