THE FILM

Last fall's surprise smash "Eagle Eye" concerned the nightmare of a NSA computer system gone haywire, using the deep technological reach of modern society to control the fate of the human race. "The Echelon Conspiracy" is about the nightmare of a NSA computer system gone haywire, using the deep technological reach of modern society to control the fate of the human race. You see the difference? While "Echelon" walks accidentally (I hope) in very recognizable footprints, this latest take on Bush-era paranoia and cell phone alarm might arrive on DVD somewhat dramatically moldy and short-sheeted in the budget department, yet it's actually a more rewarding sit than "Eagle Eye" if viewed with minimal attention paid to the details.

Max Peterson (Shane West) is a computer security analyst who receives a revolutionary cell phone as a gift from an anonymous donor while working in Bangkok. The phone magically texts Max with winning tips on gambling and other life-altering suggestions, leading the tech nerd to rack up major bucks, drawing the attention of a casino security officer (Edward Burns), a FBI agent (Ving Rhames), and a questionably flirtatious woman (Tamara Feldman). However, the celebratory bliss is short lived when the phone's history reveals a body count, with Max next on the list. Taking the cause all the way to a top U.S. security director (Martin Sheen), Max and his pursuers travel all over the globe to figure out where the phone originated from and how the system behind it can be stopped.

"Echelon Conspiracy" is a trivial DTV thriller that made a pit stop in theaters last February for reasons completely unknown. The feature is much easier to relish at home, with less room offered to perceive director Greg Marcks's total discomfort with complex action sequences and his hesitant guidance of performances. Overall, the wobbly condition of the filmmaking is revealed repeatedly, generating a fairly goofy suspense piece that isn't nearly as self-aware as it should've been. It's an earnest technological thrill ride without the needed elegance to pull itself through, and while the movie benefits from comparison to the rotten "Eagle Eye," it frustratingly refuses to challenge the genre to persuasive results.

Marcks does launch "Echelon" amusingly, building a riveting air of discovery as Max learns the curious possibilities of the phone. The casino scenes are particularly winning, playing up the universal taboo thrill of the cheat. From there, the film gets lost attempting to compete with better funded actioners, pushing limited performers such as West and Burns painfully past their skill level while using hilariously implausible explosions to keep the audience awake. Marcks is clearly beyond his pay grade with this material, and while his directorial panic is occasionally entertaining to watch, it fails to sustain an entire movie.

THE DVD

Visual:

There's a fine grain appearance on the anamorphic widescreen (2.35:1 aspect ratio) presentation of "Echelon" that brings out a startling depth to the image quality. Black levels retain their rightful mystery, and while skintones do read very pink, the effect appears built into the cinematography. Outdoor action sequences overdo the blown-out imagery, but detail is always noticeable. Colors hold a generous punch.

Audio:

The blips and beeps on the 5.1 Dolby Digital mix keep the sound environment interesting. Dialogue and scoring are satisfactorily separated, while the action sequences carry an entertaining weight, though a few explosive shots are overcooked, resulting in mild distortion. Surround atmospherics are well taken care of.

Subtitles:

English, Spanish, and French subtitles are included.

Extras:

None.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Discussing themes of national security and Patriot Act consequences, "The Echelon Conspiracy" feels more dated than it actually is, laying on the Bush's America foghorn a bit too loudly for such a simplistic, near sci-fi premise. If Marcks wants to shoot up buildings, offer Shane West dramatic scenes to slaughter, and blow up trucks, that's perfectly fine. However, the mixture of harebrained Steven Seagal filmmaking trappings and weary political commentary makes for a dull movie with a mystifying message. Save this one for a 3am Spike TV airing and the shenanigans will be easy to digest. Paying retail for the film might result in an excruciating case of moviegoing remorse.