A Very Entertaining Modern Mystery Thriller!

Rating: 7/10 (11 August 2008)

Disturbia is a modern twist on Alfred Hitchcock's "Rear Window" with a gripping storyline, fast-paced direction, and an excellent performance by a fine young actor, Shia Labeouf who plays his lead exceptionally well! The film opens with a touching flashback of father and son on a fishing trip. On the way home, a car accident occurs, and the father is killed. One year later Kale (Labeouf) suddenly lashes out at his Spanish teacher for making a remark about his deceased father.
Sentenced to three months of house arrest, Kale begins to enjoy the life and luxury of video games, cable, and surveying the neighborhood with his video equipment, including the beautiful girl Ashley who moves in next door. Ronnie, another friend of Kale's, visits him. They provide Kale's only connections to most of the outside world. Being under house arrest as his sentence for striking the teacher, Kale must wear a surveillance monitor strapped to his foot at all times. If Kale steps outside the perimeters of his own home, the cops will come to investigate.
His mother cuts off his cable and I-Tunes account and Kale becomes more focused on a new mysterious neighbor Mr, Turner who has moved in next door and always seems a little wired. His mother meets him at the supermarket and Turner has now invaded her life, his girlfriend's, and his good buddy. As Kale begins to investigate Turner, a series of unfortunate circumstances, for which Kale is not at fault, happen to him. Already under house arrest, Kale must try to convince his friends and his Mother that Turner is a vicious serial killer. Kale's Mother is slow to believe that Turner is a bad guy, but the rest of the protagonists become convinced. Is is David Morse's CHILLING portrayal of Mr. Turner and the very convincing performance of Shia Labeouf that keep this film at the hight of dramatic tension! I was very impressed by the sincerity and intensity of Shia's acting ability in this movie! He is only in his early twenties, but all of his scenes are so natural and real that he acts with far more experience than his years would indicate! The low key, but equally intense impact of Mr. Turner, played by David Morse, is truly both dramatic and terrifying!
The movie's conclusion is predictable, but it's both intense and suspenseful in getting to that point. Fine pacing and direction by D.J Caruso maintains viewer interest throughout the film. Disturbia is recommended viewing!