Red Eye Review
by [email protected] (johnny_betts AT hotmail DOT com)August 19th, 2005
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Red-Eye
http://www.themoviemark.com/moviereviews/redeye.asp
PLOT
Lisa Reisert (Rachel McAdams) hates to fly, but her grandmother's funeral in Texas left her with no choice. When her flight home to Miami is delayed she meets a charming young man with the unfortunate name of Jackson Rippner (Cillian Murphy). They exchange pleasantries, have a drink together, and go about their merry ways.
Upon boarding the plane, Lisa is pleasantly surprised to find that she is seated next to Jackson. Maybe this flight won't be so bad after all! Oh, wait a minute; Jackson appears to be a little more menacing than first expected. It doesn't take long for him to reveal that he's in the business of government overthrows and assassinations, and unfortunately for Lisa he needs her help on his current job.
What's a gal to do? If she refuses to cooperate, then her father will be killed. However, if she *does* cooperate then a key government figure and his family will be murdered. When you're trapped within the confines of a jet that's 30,000 feet in the air you don't have a lot of time or options. It's up to Lisa to act quickly and figure a way out of this mess. The lovely Rachel McAdams in tense situations ensues.
JOHNNY'S TAKE
Tense. Gripping. Somewhat formulaic but constantly entertaining and interesting. All words to describe a Johnny Betts movie review. Well, except the "formulaic" bit. But these words can also be used to describe Wes Craven's new film Red-Eye. The man who brought us Freddy Krueger is stepping out of the horror genre to bring us a thriller void of supernatural elements, and I'll be so bold as to proclaim that he has succeeded.
The story is very simplistic as it's built completely around two main characters - Lisa and Jackson. "Only two central characters, Johnny? How can such a basic premise work?" Well, dear reader, the reason this works so well is because of the strength of the actors. I love Rachel McAdams (somebody issue that restraining order NOW), and she excels at making the audience truly feel what a vulnerable position she's in. Plus, McAdams is a good, believable crier. I hope Ashley Judd is somewhere taking detailed notes.
When you're on a plane you simply have nowhere to go, and how exactly can you inform somebody about what's going on when you've been told such an action will result in your father's death? Tough choices. I complain when I have to decide whether I want a $1 Big 'N Tasty from McDonald's or a $1.29 Jr. Bacon Double Cheeseburger from Wendy's, so I can't imagine what I'd do if I were in Lisa's situation, but it sure is intriguing watching her try to figure a way out.
Then there's Murphy (who was very effective as The Scarecrow in Batman Begins). He has that perfect "OK, I'm creepy, but I also appear somewhat innocent" look. Reminds me a little of my Uncle Larry. He knows how to be a charming guy, but there's something about the eyes that makes you suspect he could snap at any moment.
Murphy's very methodical in what he does. He knows they're surrounded by a plane full of people and that Lisa might try to find a way to get help, so he's planned for those contingencies. One thing I liked is that even after it's revealed that he's involved in some pretty nasty business, it's portrayed as, "Hey, just doin' my job, sorry, don't have time to consider moral repercussions!" His character isn't painted as an over-the-top, handlebar mustached, Cheshire cat pettin' baddie. He starts off as a likable guy, but you know it's inevitable that things are going to turn sour, and then he acts as if he's almost regretful he's had to put sweet, cute little Lisa in this situation. But that doesn't stop him from delivering a nasty headbutt when the situation calls for it. I'm always happy to see characters with a little depth.
My main complaint is that the movie starts to feel formulaic during the third act. It turns into a
cat-and-mouse-when-will-the-bad-guy-jump-out-from-a-hidden-location thriller that, while still enjoyable, is just a little routine. That didn't stop people at the theater from yelling out instructions such as, "Oooooh, girl, you so stupid! He behind the door! Please don't go in there! Watch out!" Folks, the people in the movie can't hear you and thus they can't follow your expert advice. Anyway, the movie kept my attention and interest the entire way, so that works for me.
But just when I felt I'd been entertained by a fictional movie, I had to go and read the press notes and, in particular, Wes Craven's quote, "After all, you never know who you are going to sit next to on a plane." Great, thanks. Excuse me while I don't fly for a few more months.
THE GIST
If you're looking for a tense, engaging thriller with very good acting then Red-Eye should satisfy. Keep in mind that things do get a little predictable towards the end, but overall it should keep your interest. Plus, there's just watching Rachel McAdams for 90 minutes is entertaining in and of itself.
Rating: 3.75 (out of 5)
Johnny Betts
The Movie Mark
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