Red Eye

Judy Thorburn

Red Eye

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“RED EYE” TAKES OFF AS A TAUT, EFFECTIVE THRILLER

Horror fans have come to know Wes Craven as the director of such bloody thrillers such as Nightmare on Elm Street and Scream, involving monsters and slashers. I am not crazy about those types of thrillers. Violence mixed with gore isn’t my bag. So, I had trepidations when I saw Wes Craven’ name attached to this new film. I figured, oh no, what am I in for? Yet, lo and behold, I was pleasantly surprised. With Red Eye, Craven stays in thriller mode, but moves in another direction, trying something different, a much welcome, smart, high concept thriller that will keep everyone on the edge of their seats.

The Flick Chicks, film, video, movie reviews, critics, Judy Thorburn, Victoria Alexander, Polly Peluso, Shannon Onstot, Jacqueline Monahan, Tasha Chemplavil, Red Eye, Airline, Wes Craven, Rachel McAdams, Cillian Murphy, Carl Ellsworth, Dan Foos, Jack Scalia, Amber Mead, Colby Donaldson

Red Eye refers, of course, to scheduled airline travel time. That said, a great deal of the film takes place on board a “Fresh Air” jet heading to Miami from Dallas, where one of its passengers, Lisa Reisert (Rachel McAdams) manager of the Lux Atlantic Hotel is returning after attending her grandma’s funeral. While waiting in line at the terminal to check in, Lisa meets fellow passenger Jackson Rippner (that name alone should wave a flag something is not right) sending what seems like a mutual attraction and flirtation in motion. But, the charming stranger isn’t what he appears. And, exactly what his real intentions are becomes apparent shortly after Lisa finds herself in the seat next to his. After a brief innocent chat, Jackson quickly reveals (Gillian Murphy, Batman Begins) that his job is to “overthrow governments”. As an operative, hired by an unknown terrorist source, his latest assignment involves a plot to kill a government official. That’s where Lisa comes in. Jackson must force Lisa do what he says, and follow commands that puts lives on the line, including hers. In short order, he tells her that she must make a call to reservationist/assistant Cynthia (a delightfully perplexed Jayma Mays), back at the hotel and switch rooms where the visiting Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security (Jack Scalia) and his family are about to stay, a move that would make them a target for assassination. If Lisa refuses to cooperate, a killer waiting outside her unsuspecting father’s (a dark haired, slim downed Brian Cox) residence would get the go ahead from Jackson to murder him.

That being the set up, the story then revolves around what happens during the battle of wits between Lisa, a former victim of sexual assault, which left a noticeable scar over her left breast, and a ruthless killer on a mission. It’s a race against time as Lisa must use her skills as a take control businesswoman to thwart a murder plan that has her as the key to its success.

Lovely McAdams, one of movieland’s fastest rising stars, has proven she is not only pretty and talented, but a versatile actress with a wide range who can move from drama (The Notebook), to comedy (Mean Girls, Wedding Crashers) to this thriller, with ease. She is totally convincing as a woman who refuses to once again be a victim, conveying a mixture of emotional and mental strength. Whether she’s stuck in the confined space of an airplane or being chased on the ground, we are tuned into watching Lisa determined to keep her head together under such terrifying circumstances and become an empowered woman.

Irish actor Murphy is equally terrific with his transformation from charmer to the epitome of creepy psycho, cementing proof that good looks and suave demeanor can be deceiving. Let’s hope he doesn’t get type cast (considering his role in Batman Begins). It was interesting to see how small parts such as a preteen girl and an elderly passenger come in handy at opportune times. I also wonder how many fans of TV Survivor will recognize former cast member Colby Donaldson as chief security guard.

Wes Craven, working from a solid script by first time screenwriter Carl Ellsworth, crafts a gripping and suspenseful thriller that is reminiscent of classic Hitchcock. From beginning to end its shock full of tense, effective moments and clever plot turns. And since it doesn’t take place entirely aboard a plane, action fans will be delighted with some “explosive”, fast paced scenes that occur after the plane has landed.

For people who are afraid of flying, Red Eye may touch a nerve. After all, what we get is a continuous chilling ride from frightening takeoff to conclusion. But, in the safe environment of a theatre that’s what moviegoers expect for a good thriller to take flight. So, just fasten your seat belts, because “Red Eye” is one satisfying thriller guaranteed to keep you awake.