Disturbia
Film Muser Rating : 3 / 5
Release Date : April 13, 2007
Running Time : 104 minutes
Watch Trailer
After witnessing the tragic death of his father, Kale (played by Shia LaBeouf) finds himself struggling to come to terms with the loss that he blames himself for. The problems spill into his academic life, and an incident with a teacher results in Kale being convicted of assault and placed under house arrest. While incarcerated the boredom starts to take its toll on Kale who soon finds himself wrapped up in voyeuristic behaviour, watching his neighbours emphatically. During his “stakeouts” the actions of a suspicious neighbour (played by David Morse) catch his eye, plunging Kale into a series of thrilling events as he tries to link the neighbour to a series of missing women in the area.
For those who look at Shia LaBeouf’s character is very likable and I think this really helped keep the movie interesting. Even his love interest Ashley (played by Sarah Roemer), and best friend Ronnie (played by Aaron Yoo) are charming, and added to my enjoyment of the film.
LaBeouf continues to shine as a strong actor and proves that he can pull his weight as a lead. From his solid performance in 2006’s Bobby, I really look forward to seeing him in the upcoming Indiana Jones installment due out in 2008. Carrie-Anne Moss plays Kale’s mother, but her role is fairly trivial. David Morse comes off well as the mysterious neighbour, with no over-the-top antics that could have easily have plagued his role.
Disturbia doesn’t try and be anything more than it is, and can provide a good deal of enjoyment. It is a thriller, but I did think it lacked any real “thriller” moments. The story is fairly predictable, and plays out the way you would expect it to, but its the ride you take that provides the fulfillment you are looking for. Even though the premise may be a little out there, it is the voyeuristic behaviour that all of us can relate to. I think everyone has at some time or another caught themselves watching their neighbours from their living room window.
Memorable Scene
While trying to find out more about his neighbour, Kale sends his buddy Ronnie over to break into his garage, armed with a video camera to transmit his progress back to “headquarters”. After gaining access and getting a chance to rummage through some of his belongings, the neighbour Mr. Turner, returns. This leads Ronnie to hectically try and escape unnoticed. We are shown him hysterically running through Mr. Turner’s garage and house on Kale’s TV monitor. It was a great scene that conveyed the chaos of the moment. I couldn’t help but get a “Blair Witch Project feeling” during this scene.

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