Eye in the Sky (2016)

Eye in the Sky is Zero Dark Thirty meets Enemy of the State (or, very nearly, Out of the Loop meets Good Kill). I saw it at a preview last night, and though I want to give it 5 stars, I will keep it to 4.5 stars, because Babel and Bridge of Spies are superior. Even so, Eye in the Sky expertly presents the strategic, tactical, and ground situations behind authorizing a drone kill of terror suspects that have been hunted for six years, have been pinpointed for an hour or two, and must be urgently prosecuted by a surgical missile strike before unleashing imminent suicide-bomb attacks. Complicating the rules of engagement is a sweet young Muslim girl, with her devoted parents. who we come to know personally and will likely become collateral damage. Helen Mirren is the British colonel pressing for a “go” authorization. Alan Rickman (in his final role) is the Lt. General who becomes enmeshed in brokering the political side of the decision. Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad) is the first-time weapons-away drone pilot who goes “home” in Las Vegas at the end of his shift. What is one innocent life worth, and how is it calculated? Eye in the Sky may leave you pondering just those questions. Enjoy! 4.5 stars. (3-24-2016)