The Eye (2008)

The Eye (2008)

2008 PG-13 98 Minutes

Drama | Horror | Thriller

Violinist Sydney Wells was accidentally blinded by her sister Helen when she was five years old. She submits to a cornea transplantation, and while recovering from the operation, she realizes that...

Overall Rating

5 / 10
Verdict: So-So

User Review

  • The Eye managed to blind me with its mediocrity. Another American remake that pales in comparison to the original, this time written by the same individual who wrote 'Snakes on a Plane'. Need I honestly say more? A blind woman undergoes a cornea transplant allowing her eyesight to return, but soon starts experiencing horrific visions. The primary premise is nearly identical to the Chinese original, where specific plot devices are replicated to precision such as the infamous elevator scene. However, all of the atmosphere, horror and thrills are removed to make way for a horrendously bland remake bolstered by an incredibly dull screenplay. These characters were lifeless. The sisterly bond between Alba and Posey was nonexistent and the forced romantic affair between Alba and Nivola lacked spark. Come on! Alba sure is a pretty fine woman but are you seriously suggesting you would jeopardise your entire career for a patient you've known for two days? There came a point where I thought "she's going to say it...hang on" and then momentarily she exclaims "I see dead people". I was done. From a ghostly boy endlessly searching for his report card to an elderly woman wandering hospital corridors, these spooky entities contained zero scares although accompanied with a few jolting jumps occasionally. Alba's performance was a mixed bag. Her attentiveness towards the blind acting was captivating, with minor details such as placing your finger in a cup whilst filling it adding much authenticity. Conversely though, her standard acting was wooden, flat and vapid. Fake laughs, fake smiles, fake pouts. So much fakery that you could smell it a mile away. The industrial accident was somewhat hauntingly beguiling and held my attention for a span of three minutes. The rest was just a wearisome experience. Needed to give my eyes a rest. Oh, that's without mentioning the constant blurry perspective that garnered me a headache. If you didn't like the original, this lifeless interpretation will certainly make you appreciate it more. Wait, you smell that? Yes, Alba's fakery still lingers...