Disturbia Review

Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!

Plot Summary: A teen under house arrest believes his neighbor may be a serial killer.

Review: This is one of those films I like for weird reasons. Although this is a good movie regardless, I mostly enjoy that lazy, lounging around feeling from the main character, Kale. I think a lot of people can relate to that summer boredom you have in between the even more boring school time; it makes you want to veg out in front of the TV, or, I guess, your computer nowaday. Does this make sense? Probably not--oh well. The other aspect I have to acknowledge is that this is one of the few instances where I can tolerate the insufferable Shia LaBeouf. I have a long list of people I would absolutely love to punch in the face, and he's reasonably high up there.

The story is, more or less, a combination of "Rear Window" meets "The 'Burbs." I don't know how, but these plot elements work well together to create a decent thriller that has a certain lighthearted nature. For example, one minute Kale is worried about the neighbor, Mr. Turner, being a killer while still taking the time to plot his revenge against some brats in the neighborhood. By the way, the kids looking at porn while their mom remains clueless was thoroughly amusing. I have to address that the house Kale lives in is fucking amazing! I guess they can afford the house, because Trinity is Kale's mom? The romance is undeniably stupid, but I suppose I can get behind a girl next door story. I might have fallen in love too if some hot chick who was killed by Kayako comes over my house and says let's get pizza. Finally, the friendship with Kale and Ronnie felt somewhat believable even if they made Ronnie as annoying as they could get away with. Can you believe that dude was 28 when this movie came out (playing a 17 year old)?! That Asian advantage, I tell you.

As for my problems with this film, besides LaBeouf, you have to admit that ending was pathetic. There are many story elements that go nowhere like the whole subplot with the cop. Why did they even bother if that cop was going to be one of the few people that dies? We needed more resolution in that regard. Everyone overlooking Kale's blatant stalking is questionable, and the love interest, Ashley, being cool with it was ridiculous. Mr. Turner comes off as brazen for someone supposedly trying to not get caught. Also, why did he snap all of a sudden at the climax? The cops were on his side and Kale was looking at jail time, yet, Mr. Turner decides he must kill everyone and feebly attempt to cover it up? Uhhh...okaaay. That's about as contrived as it gets. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that this film worked better without it's main plot of the serial killer. Go figure.

Despite a great dislike for LaBeouf, this is still an entertaining flick. You have a respectable thriller that does keep you wondering where it's heading. The lighthearted nature keeps things fun and makes it more accessible to everyone; this could pass for a family movie depending on the age of the kids. There are certainly flaws, and the imdb rating is way too high, but this is a lot better than you'd expect. The ending is disappointingly moronic, but the main plot is at least wrapped up in a satisfying way. Overall, this is the perfect movie to close out the summer (or to begin it).

Notable Moment: That ridiculous ending shot. Yeaaaah...because who doesn't creepily film their best friend making out with their girlfriend?

Final Rating: 6/10