Previews do not do it justice

Rating: 10/10 (14 April 2007)

This movie could not have come at a better time, with summer just around the corner and all. I have to say, the previews do not do it justice.
Shia LaBeouf is Kale, a teenager living a normal life in the 'burbs until something happens that pretty much changes everything for him. Eventually placed under house arrest, Kale's only real way to pass the time is watching his neighbors through his bedroom windows. But two neighbors peek his interest more than any other: a beautiful girl (terrific performance from Sarah Roemer) who has just moved in next door, and another neighbor...a man (David Morse) who Kale thinks may be a killer. Aaron Yoo also stars as Kale's friend, Ronnie, and his acting is memorable.
Disturbia superbly captures the essence of teenage life during summertime: boredom, teenage hormones, curiosity, adventure, making new friends, and of course, the obligatory summer romance that is expected. It is like two different movies rolled into one. I like the first half better, but it is still awesome on the whole. There are few contrivances, and they are easy to shrug off. LaBeouf is clearly the star here, and he shines. Director DJ Caruso (The Salton Sea) got it right. This is the best "teen summer movie" I have seen in a long time.
See the movie.