Eyeborgs (Blu-ray)

In the not-too-distant future fear of terrorism is at an all-time high. Privacy and personal rights are a luxury of the past. On the streets, in the workplace and even in people’s homes everyone is being monitored by a mobile robotic camera called “Eyeborgs.” The question is: is watching all the cameras are doing, or is there more than meets the eye? As people die in increasing numbers and bizarre ways, FBI agent Gunner Reynolds (Adrian Paul, “The Highlander”) discovers a shocking plot that turns his investigation into all-out warfare, man against machine. Who will survive…the Eyeborgs?

Director Richard Clabaugh fashions a movie that seems like a homage to many classic Sci-fi flicks. Most notably resembling Robocop (the Eyeborgs look like Ed-209s at times), Predator when it goes with the infrared vision and at times other Sci-Fi classics. As a Director Of Photography Clabaugh knows his stuff. This film is visually stunning no doubt Clabaugh was a major influence on Kenneth Wilson II’s work as DP here. When someone is specializes in a field they know what they want even when they change jobs. Richard Clabaugh also dons another hat here as co-writer (more on that later). Clabaugh runs a tight ship with this movie and does a very good job

Visual and Special Effects are amazing here. This is better than standard Sci-Fi effects with the Eyeborgs looking more like realistic Ed-209’s updated with today and tomorrow tech that should stand up over time. Christopher Howell won 2 awards for his work and it’s not surprising. There have been big budget Hollywood films that didn’t look this good, cough Transformers cough.

Story-wise Eyeborgs surprises with a depth that makes you think about the level of trust between man and machine and how reliant, as people, we’ve become on technology. There is the eventual clash that’s to be expected between the Eyeborgs and man, but it’s done in such a way that is refreshing and new. There is symbolism here for giving government too much power and not relying on yourself enough, but also being too trusting of technology too much to the point where it’s harmful to mankind. Also symbolic is the allowance of invasion of privacy due to fears created by the government about terrorism and the use/abuse of those in power. I couldn’t agree more with the movie’s statements, but don’t let that make you think that this movie isn’t entertaining because it has a deeper meaning. It entertains very well and as much as it being due to visuals, the story is enjoyable and the ending begs for a well-deserved sequel.

The acting is a bit shaky, but good. Adrian Paul (Highlander) knows action very well, but also does a good job with other aspects of his character. An example of this is when he tried to convince his superiors that there is more to the Eyeborgs than most people think and is rebuffed for his efforts. He plays his character’s struggles and frustrations effortlessly. Megan Blake is solid playing the reporter who delves into the mystery very well. Danny Trejo plays G-Man a man who dislikes and distrusts the Eyeborgs and the government. His presence alone brings a respectable aspect to the movie with his experience and history of good and great supporting roles. Luke Eberl is a little shaky as the President’s nephew who has a deeper connection to the Eyeborgs than he knows. Maybe it’s youth but Eberl seems hesitant much of the time, unsure of himself at others.

Overall, Eyeborgs is a pretty enjoyable movie that at the very least deserves a rental. More for the Sci-Fi crowd who should enjoy this very much. The movie looks very good on Blu-ray and comes with my recommendation with a rental first just in case, but if you’re reading this you are bound to be a Sci-Fi fan so I’m sure you’ll like it.

Special Features -

• Behind-The-Scene Featurettes
• Deleted Scenes
• Trailer

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