First and foremost don’t let the fact that Wes Craven directed this film make you think for one second that “Red Eye” is in fact a horror film. Because you’ll be disappointed to know that it is far from even being considered a horror film. In fact the first teaser trailer for the film lead many people to believe that it was because in the conclusion of the trailer; actor Cillian Murphy eyes turned red. Well the fact of the matter is that the studio played us for fools and led us to believe it was a horror film from that trailer, however the sad truth is that “Red Eye” is in fact more of a action thriller.
Now you must be saying to yourself “Action-Thriller”? Well yeah it was. There were a lot tense moments in this film as well as a few action sequences involving guns, rocket launchers, a very large knife, speeding cars, Frankenstein pens, high heals, and of course you regular punching, kicking, and fighting to the death sequences all rolled up into one. So yes “Red Eye” is an action-thriller and a decent one at that. Now my feelings on the film is that it was not as intense as most thrillers are, and the first ten minutes of the film was solely based on plot and character development; which made the film seem slow at first. However the film is only eighty five minutes long and in those eighty five minutes the whole plot and story zipped by and was straight to the point. There was no bullshit twists and turns. Just plan old straight to the point entertainment. And that’s what I liked about it. It was enough for me to like it solely based on it’s entertainment value and nothing else.
In terms of looking at the acting we have some ups and downs in the film, the leading cast was perfect. Rachel McAdams was pretty good in the lead role, and was believable enough to get me though the film. Cillian Murphy, is there a part this guy can’t play well. He practically ruled this film from beginning to end. And Brian Cox, whom had a supporting role was nothing but perfect, as he is in most films. However some of the supporting cast seemed a bit shaky. Many of the characters portrayed in the scenes that took place on the plane seemed to be over acting a bit to much, and it seemed the leads in the film far out acted them all. However surprisingly enough Colby Donaldson of TV’s “Survivor” fame, did pretty well in the small supporting role he had as a secret service agent.
As far as directing goes, I think Wes Craven did a good job with this film. It not one of his best films, but it is defiantly a good film, that still shows that Craven has what it takes to me a decent film. As far as special effects go, well, there was not much in the way of any real make-up effects, but we did get a lot of CGI and stunt work; both of which were about average.
Overall, “Red Eye” is a straight to the point little film, that is very entertaining. I don’t expect it to be a film that everyone will enjoy. But I enjoyed simply for the fact that it was a script that told it’s story and did not take us on a wild goose chase. An overall average film that I believe many people will take it for what it’s worth, a good old entertaining film.
– Horror Bob
- Interview with J.R. Bookwalter - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Andrew J. Rausch - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Rick Popko and Dan West - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Director Stevan Mena (Malevolence) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Screenwriter Jeffery Reddick (Day of the Dead 2007) - January 22, 2015
- Teleconference interview with Mick Garris (Masters of Horror) - January 22, 2015
- A Day at the Morgue with Corri English (Unrest) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Writer/Director Nacho Cerda (The Abandoned, Aftermath) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Actress Thora Birch (Dark Corners, The Hole, American Beauty) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Actor Jason Behr, Plus Skinwalkers Press Coverage - January 22, 2015
