Watch Echelon Conspiracy

Echelon Conspiracy is a 2009 thriller movie directed by Greg Marcks and starring Shane West, Edward Burns, and Ving Rhames. The movie opens with Max Peterson (Shane West), a young computer engineer, receiving an anonymous package - an advanced cell phone – something he didn't order. The phone appears to be constantly receiving text messages advising him to gamble with his credit card and offering him insider stock tips. A little hesitant at first, Max decides to follow the texts' advice and takes a chance. As he wins bigger and bigger sums, he starts to become suspicious and decides to investigate why he received this untraceable, high-tech device. His search leads him to a shady NSA operative (Ving Rhames) and an international plot of corruption and murder. Along with the help of his friend and coworker, Kamila (Tamara Feldman), and a Special Agent, John Reed (Edward Burns), they must unravel the mystery before their lives are put in danger.

The film focuses on a series of global events linked by an unknown tactical network, which the phone seems to have control over. It’s clear from the beginning that there's more to the phone's programming than just real-time tips and guidance. The story is fast-paced and intricately woven, with unexpected twists, and turns that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. As the plot unfolds, it becomes apparent that the phone is using a massive network of cameras, satellites, and electronic devices to gain access to classified information and manipulate world events. The NSA agent, who eventually claims to have orchestrated the whole plan, says that it was meant to prevent terrorist attacks by executing “preemptive strikes.” But the means employed – which included the assassination of a Middle Eastern political figure and the bombing of a passenger airplane – are justifiable or not is an interesting question that the movie attempts to explore.

The casting is excellent with Shane West's performance as the innocent bystander lured deeper into the web of intrigue, keeping the audience on his side throughout. Ving Rhames adds depth and intrigue to his portrayal of a morally ambiguous NSA agent, and Edward Burns plays the part of a tough-as-nails special agent, offering a counterbalance to Rhames's character. Tamara Feldman also does a great job with her character Kamila, providing the film's heart and sentimentality.

The film's setting compliments the story, taking place in a series of exotic and mystifying locales from Bangkok to Prague, making Echelon Conspiracy a global thriller. The ring and narrative are top-notch, and the movie's special effects are impressive, as the technology employed by the phone is almost omnipotent in its ability.

Echelon Conspiracy is a movie that explores themes of morality, responsibility, and loyalty. It raises thought-provoking questions about the use of technology and power, and the unforeseen consequences that can result when the line between right and wrong becomes blurred. It’s not just a standard thriller but a film that has a message to impart.

In summary, Echelon Conspiracy is an engaging thriller, full of surprises and suspense, with convincing performances by the cast. The story is compelling and well-crafted, asking some tough questions about the world we live in, and the way we use technology. This film is sure to keep audiences enthralled from beginning to end.

Echelon Conspiracy is a 2009 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7 and a MetaScore of 26.