Eye in the Sky

It was a weekend that I almost skipped going to the theaters.

I had no intention on seeing God's Not Dead 2 which was really the only new mainstream release and Midnight Special's limited engagements are, at this point, so frustrating that I've lost interest. Not to mention, it's not playing anywhere that I could find in Denver.

Then I remembered Eye in the Sky. I follow Aaron Paul on Instagram and have seen several reviews for the drone warfare drama stating that it's well done, engaging, and creates some good conversation. Plus, and I know that you should never judge a book by its cover, but I really, really dig the poster for this one.

So, instead of skipping, I took a Sunday afternoon to walk into a film that I knew next to nothing about aside from: drones, Aaron Paul, Helen Mirren, Alan Rickman's last role, solid reviews, and a awesome poster.

Damn glad I went!

Eye in the Sky is a film that, try as I might, I can't find a fault in it. At least not any that are significant. It's a brilliant, situational-based take on a drone warfare encounter that is thoughtfully laid out and organized, careful to entertain both sides of the political argument about several issues that arise with killing enemies from the comfort of one's chair. It may not be my favorite film of 2016 thus far, but it is the best.

Jesse really cleaned up his life!

Eye in the Sky follows the involved parties of a potential drone strike in Nairobi and it does a marvelous job at balancing each of their perspectives. From the potential collateral damage victims, to the pilot firing the missile, to the British Colonel (Mirren) and General (Rickman) proposing the strike in the first place -- we're given a comprehensive look at all involved other than the terrorists in question (which is fine by me!). I'm sure that there are liberals out there who believe this to be a glorified drone-war film while there are an equal amount of conservatives who see it as a misguided anti-drone-war film. Shockingly, both groups are dead wrong as the film does an amazing job at arguing for both sides via the characters involved. Most debates of the situation that I could think of are presented and successfully counterpointed by other characters. I was certainly sitting on one side of the proverbial fence, but I was incredibly eager to listen to the arguments for and against the strike as there are valid points in both. Even after the film ends, one's own personal morals and opinions will be how they decide what actions were just; this is a film where resolution means different things for different audience members.

The film's plot is straight forward, but filled with complications that are frustrating and potentially heartbreaking. After seeing this film, it's amazing that anything ever gets done in government with the absolutely insane number of checks, balances, and "referring up" to superiors that are needed to authorize a strike. Granted, it's all for good measure, but the film's presentation of it is such a realistic approach that it almost creates comedy from those that are already frustrated with government. Director Gavin Hood rarely lets up on the tension, whether it be in the battlefield, in the war room, in a board room, or in the pilot's seat, and it all seamlessly flows and blends together as a flawlessly paced film that tightly grips your attention from start to finish.

What a badass.

Luckily, this thoughtful format and screenplay is bolstered by some excellent performances where I struggle to find a bad one in the bunch. Helen Mirren has probably the most interesting character as the British Colonel who's overseeing the entire operation. Her motives are very clear and she wants the mission completed, plain and simple. Her General is portrayed by Alan Rickman in his final on-screen role. He too is impressive and is the focal point of nearly every scene he's in. His war is different than hers...persuading the bureaucrats to be logical about the situation and ignore the red-tape. Aaron Paul is the American pilot, guiding the drone from thousands of miles away, who receives orders and must follow them. Typical Aaron Paul here, and that is to say, he's amazing. All supporting cast members do well too in a film that is a strong showcase for British actors. 

As if needing another reason to gush about the film, it should be noted that it's technically strong too. I alluded to it earlier but the editing is fantastic and logical, telling its story chronologically in real time and making sure to take the time to linger on scenes that need additional focus. The cinematography won't blow your mind, but it's definitely solid and the several scenes from the drone's perspective were entertaining to watch. Lastly, the original score is fantastic. Not necessarily one I'd listen to in my free time, but rather one that fits the scenes it accompanies perfectly, ratcheting up the tension when necessary and being more somber when it's called for.

Farewell to one of the most memorable and talented actors of our time.

Again, Eye in the Sky isn't my favorite film of the year but that's probably based more when comparing future revisits than the original viewing. I wouldn't be surprised to see it make my Top 10 come January 2017 as it's a film that had me gripped from the first scene to the final frame; all while posing an intense, thought-provoking, and well made film on a highly relevant topic. My complaints are negligible and this now sits as the film to beat for 2016.

And I'm sitting here, really glad that I decided to go to the theaters today.

CONS:

• Probably a few too many "refer up" situations were presented
• Could've chosen a better final few frames to end on
• No background on why the terrorists were so high up on the most wanted list. Would've been easy to insert a few sentences on past crimes

PROS:

• Timely. Thoughtful. Provocative. All three often make a stellar film, and Eye in the Sky is no exception. Drone warfare is a highly effective, but complicated tool of war. This is the best film to date regarding the consequences, morality, and efficiency of it
• The screenplay and direction are on point. Combine this with some well done editing and you have some of the most impactful, full, and effective 102 minutes that I've seen recently
• Superb cast with the main three (Mirren, Rickman, and Paul) all equally great in their well-written roles. Rickman will most certainly be missed
• Doesn't take a political side, but presents both sides' arguments in respectful and truthful fashions. Each side has their strong points and the debates the film features and begs you to think about are large, complicated issues that aren't likely to go away anytime soon
• Technically strong. Nothing is a "weak-link" and I liked the original score
• A tense thriller you're not likely to forget, nor one you're likely to dislike. Eye in the Sky is a triumph

Rath's Review Score: 10/10 -- Instant Classic