Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Movie Review Madness - Eye in the Sky

The Wall Street Journal calls Eye in the Sky a tick-tock thriller and I agree. It’s fast paced, tense, has well drawn characters and acting, and makes one think about current issues. Basically British military and government officials have hours to decide whether to order a bombing strike on terrorists in Kenya. Multiple views are given and it shows there’s a lot more to a drone attack than just pressing a button. So hold your breath and watch this movie unfold.

The always excellent Helen Mirren is Col. Katherine Powell and from her base in the UK she’s finally found location evidence for two radicalized terrorists. They are out of ground forces reach. In the foreign situation room, the Major (Alan Rickman in his last role – alas) is seeking to help her. The affairs minister (Jeremy Northam) and other politicians must discuss the ethics of these deaths versus a capture and some collateral civilian deaths. There are constant math updates – assessments on numbers. There’s a small spy drone in the terrorists home showing them preparing suicide bomb vests. Meanwhile, in Nevada two American drone specialists await orders to fire. However, their concern for a little girl selling bread in the kill zone brings the true face of terrorist war to the forefront.


In this age of drone spying and video surveillance, it’s nerve racking  to watch. One wavers with each statement, one can see multiple reasons to say “Go” versus “Stand down.” I will not spoil the end decision. Just know that Eye in the Sky will have you on the edge of your seat. …….   And war is hell. 

18 comments:

  1. I would never want to be in a decision making role like this; you are right, war is hell. Sounds like a good movie though with a great review!

    betty

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  2. Oh, this sounds good! Glad I'm not one who has to be in the position of making that decision.

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  3. Hi Joanne - I couldn't agree more - I saw it recently and it is brilliant - and brings home some very relevant truths ...

    Excellent film - one everyone should see - cheers Hilary

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    1. Glad you agree. Helen Mirren is always SO good too

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  4. I missed this one but will check out on NetFlix.

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  5. Have to give this one a go, sounds good indeed.

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    1. We just met in April but I love the movies and you can trust me

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  6. Sounds like a pretty intense watch. I'm noting this one for our next movie night!

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  7. Yikes, I can see myself sitting on the edge of my chair, but I do like Helen Mirren, so I'm sure I'd have to sit back and try and relax a bit to make it through such intensity. This movie is actually right up HiHoney's alley. I'll certainly pass on your review.

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  8. Ooh, this sounds exciting and intriguing. Something that will have me on the edge of my seat is a must watch.

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  9. This is a film that I have heard plenty about. It has been given a really high profile in the UK and I would like to go and see it but I'm not sure I can cope with the tension - I'm a sensitive little person!!

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    1. Buck up Roz - seriously, it's Dame Helen....if she can handle it, you can. (It's really good)

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