Live Life Team
It isn’t often that a modern horror/thriller isn’t synonymous with blood splatters and guts. These days, most films are a cornucopia of human slaughter splattered across the screen. Few movies follow the axiom: less is more. This movie is a great example of a thriller from yesterday. If you’re a film buff, you’ll see it’s a remake of Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Rear Window.’
In this version, teen Kale, played by Shia LaBeouf, is under house arrest for assaulting a teacher. His mother (played by Carrie-Anne Moss, Trinity in the ‘Matrix’ movies) cuts off all of his fun: music, online games, and so forth. Cabin fever starts to set in, and to have something to do, he spies on the neighbours. There’s Ashley (Sarah Roemer), the hot girl next door, the pre-teens who stealthy watch porn on their TV, and also quiet Mr. Turner (played to chilling perfection by David Morse).
Slowly, the tension starts to crank up as Kale and Ronnie (Aaron Yoo), his best friend, and Ashley begin to suspect that Turner is hiding something.
One of the best aspects of the movie is the use of believable technology. An ankle bracelet keeps Kale within a hundred feet of his home. But, by using a cellphone, his camcorder, and other electronic gadgets, he continues to be a pivotal character.
The performers are incredible; all of their characters are well-defined. They’re smart, and they use their heads. Morse is bone-chillingly terrifying as Turner. When he confronts Ashley, he never raises his voice, and he doesn’t threaten her; yet, you’ll hold your breath in fear. It’s a real accomplishment that the movie delivers heart-stopping chills with no gushing blood and guts.
