Disturbia

"Disturbia" actually isn't that bad of a movie. Yes, it's predictable and would appear to be a remake of "Rear Window" with teens, but it also provides a few jump-in-your-seat moments with a cast solid enough to keep it from being cheesy.

Shia LeBeouf stars as Kale, a teen who lashes out in the wrong directions after the accidental death of his father. Kale is sentenced to three months of house arrest, all during summer vacation, after he punches his Spanish teacher. After his mom cuts off his XBox and TV privileges, Kale is forced to find new ways to entertain himself. This is when he becomes well versed in the day-to-day activity of his neighbors, including the new girl that moves in next door (Carrie-Anne Moss). Unfortunately for Kale, he can't leave the boundaries of his own yard. She eventually catches him watching her, which turns in his favor as they become good friends.

At the same time, Kale begins to develop a growing paranoia for the reclusive neighbor on the other side of the house (David Morse). Is it a coincidence that this guy drives a car that matches the description of a missing girl’s car? What is in the bloody plastic bags in the garage? Was that actually a face in the heating vent in this guys house? Initially, everyone tells Kale he has simply had too much free time. It's only after his friends help him put all the pieces together that he realizes he is living next door to a serial killer. Oh, but he only figures this out after the guy has kidnapped Kale's mom.

Again, very predictable stuff with few surprises. What does work, though, is how the story builds up to its bloody ending. As the story opens, we get to know Kale and his father, we witness the death of the dad, and we see the change in Kale's personality afterwards. Plus, for a while you're wondering whether Kale is right about the neighbor or just overly paranoid. Even the killer reminds him we're living in a world mired in paranoia.

Shia LeBeouf deserves major credit for keeping the movie interesting as he is in nearly every scene in the film. He is believable as the angry and hurt teen, but is just as funny in the comedic scenes. LeBeouf is going to be an actor to watch. "Disturbia" is fun in the theaters and will be great weekend entertainment when it's released on DVD. I give it a B+.

"Disturbia" is rated PG-13 with a running time of 104 minutes.