Disturbia by D.J. Caruso

Caruso, D.J. Disturbia. Dreamworks, 2007. DVD. PG 13. 105 min. ASIN B000RO6K9E

Plot

After Kale Brecht loses his father in a car accident, that he was also involved in, becomes a school troublemaker and an aggressive teenager. When he punches his Spanish teacher, Senor Gutierrez, at school, he is sentenced to three months of house-arrest during his summer vacation. Kale, bored out of his mind, begins to spy on his neighbors with a pair of binoculars and a video camera. He also becomes a voyeur of his next door neighbor, Ashley Carlson. While a regular night of spying Kale witnesses his neighbor Robert Turner murder a girl. Kale quickly calls the police but they find nothing that will lead them to suspect anything and do not believe Kale because he is a "no good" kid. Kale tells his friends Ashley and Ronnie so they begin to do their own investigation. Kale believes that his neighbor is the wanted serial kill from Texas but it is hard to prove since his reputation is damaged.

Critical Evaluation

An updated version of Hitchcock's Dial M for Murder, this movie is done very well. It's acting and directing create an interesting plot that is both suspenseful and comedic, everything that a teen will enjoy. Many tween or teens will not find Hitchcocks version but appealing but Disturbia does since they will be able to relate to the character more since they are around the same age. It is both entertaining and appealing to a young audience.

Reader's Annotation

While Kile is under house arrest he begins to spy on his neighbors, out of boredom. A night of spying leads him to believe that his neighbor is a serial killer but with his reputation, who is going to believe him.

Information about the Author

Steven Spielberg hand picked Caruso to direct this film, which is an updated version of Hitchcock's Dial M for Murder.

Genre

Crime/Mystery/Romance/ Thriller

Curriculum Ties

English

Booktalking Ideas

1) Compare Hitchcock's and Caruso's version
a) Major differences


Reading Level/Interest Age

PG 13

Why included in selection?

I think Shia LaBeouf is a good actor.