Disturbia

Shia LaBeouf (CONSTANTINE, I, ROBOT) is a young talent to be reckoned with, as he demonstrates in this genre-spanning film from director D. J. Caruso. Part teenage romantic comedy, part horror flick, DISTURBIA stars LaBeouf as the troubled Kale, who is confined to his home under house arrest after he punches out his Spanish teacher in the middle of class. Kale's array of available diversions dwindle considerably after his mum (Carrie Ann Moss, MEMENTO) shuts off his X-Box and his iTunes, and he turns to voyeurism instead, carefully noting the daily activities of his neighbours. These include the swimming schedule of the hot girl who just moved in next door, Ashley (Sarah Roemer, THE GRUDGE 2), whom he ogles with his best friend, the class clown, Ronnie (Aaron Yoo, THE BEDFORD DIARIES). When Ashley unexpectedly shows up and wants to know what the boys are doing behind their binoculars, they concoct a story about their neighbour, Mr. Turner (David Morse, PROOF OF LIFE), and their suspicions that he is the serial killer currently on the loose. The teens' subsequent stakeout makes them increasingly convinced that this is in fact the case, and their creepy interactions with Turner bring them ever closer to learning the dark secret that lies inside his impenetrable suburban existence. Despite a slight identity crisis and distracting product placements, DISTURBIA is carried by the strong performance of its lead character, and manages to charm with its portrayal of young love.