Amazon.co.uk Review
The soaring career of Shia LaBeouf was powered in no small way by
Disturbia, an effective surprise hit thriller that he headlines alongside Carrie-Anne Moss and David Morse.
Covering ground previous trodden by the likes of Hitchcock’s Rear Window, Disturbia finds LaBeouf’s Kale, a year after the death of his father, subjected to house arrest. And as cabin fever sets in, he starts to look out of his window and spy on his neighbours. As you do.
This is, naturally, where the problems soon begin. Because Kale soon starts to get suspicious of the antics of the quiet Mr Turner, played by David Morse, eventually convincing himself that his neighbour is, in fact, a killer.
This fairly straightforward plot, however, is then mined effectively by a talented cast and director D J Caruso. And Disturbia, to its credit, has its fair share of bumps and jumps along the way, working best when it plays things low key.
It doesn’t, ultimately, manage to prolong the suspense it generates for the full running time, and neither is it a top grade thriller. But Disturbia is still good at what it does do: serving up solid entertainment, a few thrills, and showcasing one of cinema’s fast-rising talents. Well worth a watch. --Jon Foster
Synopsis
Shia LaBeouf (
Constantine, I, Robot) is a young talent to be reckoned with, as he demonstrates in this genre-spanning film from director D.J. Caruso. Part teenage romantic comedy, part horror flick,
Disturbia stars LaBeouf as the troubled Kale, who is confined to his home under house arrest after he punches out his Spanish teacher in the middle of class. Kale's array of available diversions dwindle considerably after his mum (Carrie Ann Moss,
Memento) shuts off his X-Box and his iTunes, and he turns to voyeurism instead, carefully noting the daily activities of his neighbours. These include the swimming schedule of the hot girl who just moved in next door, Ashley (Sarah Roemer,
The Grudge 2), whom he ogles with his best friend, the class clown, Ronnie (Aaron Yoo,
The Bedford Diaries). When Ashley unexpectedly shows up and wants to know what the boys are doing behind their binoculars, they concoct a story about their neighbour, Mr. Turner (David Morse,
Proof of Life), and their suspicions that he is the serial killer currently on the loose. The teens' subsequent stakeout makes them increasingly convinced that this is in fact the case, and their creepy interactions with Turner bring them ever closer to learning the dark secret that lies inside his impenetrable suburban existence. Despite a slight identity crisis and distracting product placements,
Disturbia is carried by the strong performance of its lead character, and manages to charm with its portrayal of young love.
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