ECHELON CONSPIRACY
3 out of 5 stars

a LAME and knock-off version of eagle eye...you know, that movie with shia labeouf and michelle monaghan about strange cellphones telling a couple of strangers what to do. it's the same thing, but plot is LAMER... (and almost the same actually)


max peterson (shane west - the american version of jonathan rhys meyers in my opinion) is an IT consultant who installs computer security software in high-risk companies and organizations. while he's working in bangkok, he gets a mysterious DHL package, and finds a snazzy new cell phone in it. once he activates it, someone starts sending text messages to him re: stock he should buy, which blackjack table he should play at, and even which flights to get on... casino security @ the prague casino max is playing at finds it peculiar that max is taking directions from his cell phone, so ex-FBI agent john reed (ed burns - the lame version of ben affleck?) gets on his tail! pretty much, FBI agent ving rhames is also on his tail, along with the NSA. the question becomes who is sending max the texts and who is behind all this? if you've seen eagle eye before, you'll know then... ;)

like i said, it's a cheap knock-off of eagle eye, but a different twist at the very end. (well, it's a good attempt hence the extra star!) it reminds me a little bit of that angelina movie salt, but you're better off watching either of those films than this one. the momentum is good, the acting...eh. martin sheen is NSA director burke, but his role is so minor, there is no redemption for this one. there's the random "bond" chick who tricks max into sleeping with her, and a number of moments, where you'd rather be watching eagle eye. (i.e. the chasing, the same type of texts, same endgame plot, etc.)

sigh...doesn't hollywood know movies like this were already done? GIVE US SOMETHING NEW! grr... frustrates me, dammit! :P