Then we all saw the trailers, and we all cringed, reared back a bit and made that "oooh, I dunno" face.  Well let me tell you, those initial reactions weren't warranted.

Red Tails is definitely not anywhere near as bad as I expected it to be.  Not the epic oscar-nominee as I had hoped, but its definitely a good movie.  All those scenes we cringed at in the trailers, they needed context.  Out of context they looked, well, dumb. (out of the blue physically impossible stall/dive)  Put back in the context of the whole film they make more sense ("we fight!")...

The story is, of course, about the Tuskegee Airmen.  A group of black fighter pilots created during the war as an "experiment" and "curiosity" but who proved everyone wrong by being one of the best squadrons out there.  This movie is an excellent tribute to these guys.  Is it "Saving Private Ryan?" No. But I don't think it aims to be, either.  If it were, it wouldn't be nearly as "approachable".  You could (and probably should) show this film in the classroom.

But we are talking about Lucasfilm, so you can't escape the inevitable review of the effects.  All in all, I was suitably impressed.  From a pure-realism point of view, there are numerous issues with the physics of flight involved in this film.  Most obviously that "hit the brakes and they'll fly right by" move in the trailer.  There are a lot of "Pearl Harbor" style moments as well.  Problem is *real* flight isn't nearly as exciting or fun to watch as all this near-video-game style eye-candy.  So there it is.  And it *is* a lot of fun to watch.

There are some aspects of the movie that I don't think should have been included, or either explored more and refined.  As they stand, they don't do a whole lot for the film.  One is the romance between "Lightning" (David Oyelowo) and the Italian Sophia (NCIS LA's Daniela Ruah)...  It started out as a nice diversion, and an all-too familiar story for most war movies, but I'm not entirely sure of the relevance of it here.  Except to make a point about inter-racial romance.  Nothing wrong with that, but it started to feel forced.

The other was "Ray Gun/Junior" (Tristan Wilds) getting shot down and captured, only to wind up in "The Great Escape"...  comically in a shot-for-shot rehash of the "into-the-woods" scene from that film.   It makes sense I guess at the end, so that the picture doesn't end on a down note (whoops did I spoil it?) but again, felt forced.

Other bits and pieces fall together nicely.  The cocky pilot putting himself and others in danger, the alcoholic, although this time getting blamed erroneously for things that weren't the bottle's fault....   It's not just about aircraft.

The message of the film is also unavoidable.  That this sort of segregation was just plain wrong.  It's always good to have those 20/20 hindsight goggles, but yeah, these guys were just as good, if not better than anyone else in the cockpit.  And I only wish I had watched "The Tuskegee Airmen" not so long ago.  It's been far too long for me to even remember any of it, so I can't make a good comparison to that.  There should be one.

I would like to compare this to another war movie which dealt with the segregation issue, "Miracle at St. Anna."  I've caught a lot of flack for that review, and maybe its warranted, maybe not.  But in Red Tails, the issue is dealt with *without* that feeling of being preached at and whined to, and having it rammed down your throat.  *This* is how it should be shown to everyone, that yes it happened, yeah it was wrong, but you know what?  It doesn't really matter *now*, does it?  These guys were damn good pilots and soldiers, not to mention fine men, and here's our tribute to them.

What you've got here in a nutshell is a pretty good air combat action picture first and foremost, with an important historical context and worthy message on the side.  So I'm going with a 7/10.  Not quite as surprisingly good as "War Horse", but a whole lot better than I was expecting.  Sure the dialog is a bit, uh, corny at times. Sure the effects are the same way at times.  But roll with it, have fun, don't take things quite so seriously, and think about the underlying message while you're at it!

Here's a longer clip I found which might help illustrate what I'm talking about.

Enjoy!

Related posts:

1. “Act of Valor” set for 2012

Thankfully, Vietnam in HD is quite the opposite, and its actually an interesting and insightful look into the Vietnam War.  Is it a complete picture?  No, but I don't think it claims to be.  Does it still contain a fair amount of HD violence and death?  Yes, but its not presented in the same way, or in the same quantity.  Here its part of the documentary aspect.  Shown, but not with that "reality TV" sort of feel to it....

For example:  There's that one infamous scene where the suspected VC collaborator gets shot right in the head and left on the street.  When this scene started playing I was like "I wondered when they'd trot this one out."  But to my amazement, and satisfaction (for lack of a better word), they cut it short of showing the nastiest bits.  This kind of restraint is what separates the two.  If you've seen this clip in its entirety, you know what I am talking about.  Necessary to show, but we don't really *need* to see *all* of it.

It's also not as long as the WWII version.  This probably helped a lot to avoid that same feeling, keeping with only what was necessary to get the points across, rather than trying to cram as much remastered footage as they could.

And the footage, its really some impressive stuff.  Some of it you've likely seen before.  A lot of it you haven't, I hadn't.  And all of it (well OK most of it) looks like it was shot yesterday.

Another aspect of this documentary that I found incredibly interesting, was the inclusion of the story of Joe Galloway, along with interview footage from Joe himself.  If the name sounds familiar in the context of war movies, it should.  He was the author of "We Were Soldiers Once, and Young", which is of course what the movie "We Were Soldiers" was based off of.  Once again I've had to re-examine my opinion of *that* movie based on the footage and story told in this one.  One of these days I will have to revisit it, with all this new context in mind.

As a documentary it comes across much better than WWII in HD.  It tries to paint a picture of the war from start to finish, but only in the context of a few people and their stories.  Because of this there are a lot of events and stories that *aren't* told, but hopefully someday will be.

I'll have to go 8/10 on Vietnam in HD.  I would go higher, were it longer and more in-depth...  but it is after all a much more refined and focused picture than its counterpart.

Vietnam in HD, Blu-ray Edition List Price: $34.95 Sale Price: $16.49 You save: $18.46 (53%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours

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Their story is in danger of being lost to history. The men who came home from the Vietnam War represent a second silent generation. These are the men who won every battle in a lost war. Using the same experiential approach to storytelling as WWII in HD, HISTORY gives these veterans a voice. Through a collection of color Vietnam footage never seen by the public from private collections, museums, the US government, veteran's and news organizations as well as sources from Vietnam, they tell their stories and relive their struggles, courage and fears. This six-hour miniseries spans the massive initial troop build-up in 1965 to the fall of Saigon a decade later. Sound design, using popular music from that era, powerfully evokes the time period and experience.This 2-disc set presents all 6 episodes in stunning Blu-ray high-definition.BONUS FEATURES: TBD

DVD Information

Binding: Blu-ray
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Brand: A&E
Manufacturer: A&E Entertainment
Original Release Date:
Actors:

• Various

Reviews

---

Related posts:

1. Good Morning, Vietnam (1987, Blu Ray)
2. Gettysburg (1993/2011, Director’s Cut, Blu Ray)
3. Gods and Generals (2003/2011, Blu Ray Director’s Cut)
4. Battle: Los Angeles (2011)
5. Ironclad (2011)

Oh, boy, this ought to be good.  (Note the heavy sarcasm.)

But, actually.  It's not bad, not bad at all.  I might even go so far as... It's pretty darned good.  Actually.

Spielberg has managed to evoke the spirits of 1930's/Frank Capra-style Hollywood with War Horse.  From the start, it has that "feel" to it.  Whether the result of the script, the acting, the direction, the production/sets, or Williams' always-excellent soundtrack....  you can't help but think that if this were in black and white with a few scratches here and there... you'd never know the difference.

But the story:  British farmer boy Albert (Jeremy Irvine) comes into a horse, bought at auction in a pissing match with his landlord.  The horse, "Joey" as Albert calls him, isn't fit for farm duty, but Albert manages to whip him into shape and prove everyone wrong.  When the British army comes looking for materiel for the war effort, Dad sells Joey off into service.

Well, Joey nearly gets killed (in a rather scathing commentary on officers), escapes, gets adopted by a sick French girl and her grandfather, captured by the Germans, put into service, and finally winds up stuck in the wire in no-mans-land.

He's cut free in one of the more cornball scenes of the movie, and eventually reunited with the wounded Albert, who has also found himself in the trenches.  Grandfather shows up, gets the horse, gives him back, and Albert and Joey ride off into the sunset.

That's pretty much the story.  Some good 1930's/1940's classic matinee fare.  And that's what this movie is at its core.  There's no bloody realistic combat (although the scenes do manage to imply quite a bit), no language, nothing at all which would prevent me from letting the kids watch this.  Parts may go sailing over their head, probably quite a few adults as well...  but all-in-all a pretty good movie.

I have to give War Horse a 7/10.  I actually went into this with the intent of *not* enjoying it, but Spielberg managed to change my mind.  Not an easy feat.

When it shows up on Amazon I'll update this section....

Related posts:

1. The Road to World War II (1978, 2011)
2. Battle: Los Angeles (2011)
3. Gettysburg (1993/2011, Director’s Cut, Blu Ray)
4. The Bomber (2011)
5. Ironclad (2011)

This is a pretty undefinable little film.  It departs significantly at times from the usual documentary format.  In fact, at times you will (at least I did) wonder if some of the shots aren't staged.  There are a lot of these moments.  So many in fact that it somewhat takes away from the entire experience.

Fortunately, though, none of these moments occur when the camera is out in the field with these guys.  Which is where the shit really hits the fan.  The final scene where the platoon gets split with a squad of Taliban stuck in a ditch between them....  It doesn't get much more harrowing than that.  And brutal.  Scenes like this show just what its like.  Without any sugar coating.  Apart from that it reminded me more of a TV reality show.  Mainly because of the camera/production work that they dressed it up in during the soldiers' down time.  Then the almost "fabricated" soap opera surrounding that ambush which never goes anywhere....

This review is pretty short, I will admit.  It's basically because there isn't a lot to say.  The basic premise is this:  1) Film a bit of the guys before they leave, 2) film them "over there" as various things happen to them, 3) film a bit as they return home.

All that said, I'm going to give this a solid 7/10.  I would have gone less, but the actual "in the field" stuff really does make the "other stuff" not quite so important or distracting overall.  I know this was a pretty acclaimed movie, but I couldn't bring myself to get all excited about it.

One thing I did notice, and I wondered why it wasn't included, because you know at one point one of them said it.  None of them really wondered out loud on camera, "just WTF are we Danes doing here, anyway?"  Especially as their guys get killed and wounded.  I know I'd be thinking it.  Don't get me wrong, the contribution they make to the overall effort over there is invaluable, and greatly appreciated.  I'm speaking on a personal level, from their point of view....

Obviously, all of the dialog is in Danish and subtitled.  Not a problem for me, just need to point this out.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1640680/

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Armadillo List Price: $29.95 Sale Price: $14.00 You save: $15.95 (53%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

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Armadillo is a raw and unforgettable journey into the war in Afghanistan. Mads and Daniel are Danish troops joining the NATO mission in Helmand Province. Their platoon is stationed in Camp Armadillo, with Taliban fighters a stone's throw away. Filmmaker Janus Metz is deeply embedded with the platoon, documenting first-hand the daily grind of modern warfare, tense waiting followed by intense flurries of bloodshed. During gunfights his camera is right at the front line, recording the mortal dangers the troops face daily. Unable to tell Afghan civilians apart from combatants, the platoon's skepticism of the humanitarian effort grows, as well as their yearning for the black and white morality of battle. Ethical lines are blurred, and a sense of besieged paranoia sets in to their warrior mentality. Armadillo is a harrowing journey into the minds of soldiers during a war without end.

DVD Information

Binding: DVD
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Brand:
Manufacturer: Lorber Films
Original Release Date:
Actors:

• Janus Metz Pedersen

Reviews

Related posts:

1. 71-Into the Fire (2010)
2. Restrepo (2010)
3. The Pacific (2010)
4. The Pacific Pt. 1 (2010)
5. Green Zone (2010)

...and it does a fine job.  An excellent job, even.  This is quite the examination of history during that time period.  A lot of things I never knew about, or realized, or put the pieces together with.  From the Versailles treaty all the way to Pearl Harbor, you'll be surprised just how many events transpired which, now that we look at it, brought about the inevitability of the second war.

I think a great part of this is the credibility involved here.  Made in the 70's (a short 30 years after WWII), you've got commentary from people who either were *directly* involved in these events, such as host and journalist Eric Sevareid, to a myriad of professors and other figures.

Additionally, you'll get some Hearst Newsreels on each disc, which give a short summary and different perspective of either events that were talked about, or weren't....  Either way, the inclusion of these in this set works to its benefit (versus the earlier WWII in the Pacific set, where the European-theater-centric newsreels didn't make sense.)  I'm not sure of the source of these newsreels, the production and voice-over seem to indicate a much later production date, rather than contemporary pieces.  (Which I'd still like to see a good "movietone news" or similar DVD set from the war!)

The series is presented from a US-centric viewpoint.  Meaning that the events described take place starting from the US' short but pivotal role in WWI, up until Pearl Harbor.  But, it does examine all the other happenings between those two events, including the war in Europe, and Japan's expansion in Asia.  This is key, as a lot of these sort of documentaries merely jump in with both feet at Pearl Harbor, as if nothing at all had happened until then.

If you're a military history buff, then this is a must-have.  The films themselves appear to have been rescued, but not restored.  I only mention this because they do appear rather rough at times, and I wouldn't want anyone thinking you're getting anything different.  I don't have a problem with this at all.  This is about preservation mostly, and I'm glad that Readers' Digest and Questar have put this series to disc for the archives, instead of letting the film or tape turn to dust in some closet somewhere.

The Road to World War II officially releases October 18, with a sticker price of $49.99, although Amazon (and likely others) has it for less.

Here's a summary of the episode titles, which should give you an idea of the series comprehensive look....

Disc 1: 1. Versailles: The Lost Peace 2. Return to Isolationism 3. The First Salt Talks

Disc 2: 1. Radio, Racism and Foreign Policy 2. The Great Depression and Foreign Affairs

Disc 3: 1. FDR and Hitler: The Rise to Power 2. FDR and Hitler: The Dynamics of Power

Disc 4: 1. America in the Pacific 2. The Recognition of Russia 3. Latin America

Disc 5: 1. The Italian-Ethiopian War 2. The Spanish Civil War 3. The Phony War

Disc 6: 1. FDR and Churchill 2. Japan Invades China 3. War Comes to Pearl Harbor

Bonus Features: Exclusive Heart Newsreels showcase the era leading up to WW II

The entire series is also available to "rent" on YouTube!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Fh11LMYSrk&list=SL&feature=sh_e_se

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Road to World War II List Price: $49.99 Sale Price: $27.98 You save: $22.01 (44%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours

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This classic documentary series, The Road to WWII, follows the events that inevitably sparked World War II, capturing the drama, the excitement and the juxtapositions of these crucial years between the end of World War I and Pearl Harbor. Former CBS News correspondent and commentator, Eric Sevareid, one of the world's most respected figures in journalism, presents this extraordinary series which features stunning original newsreels, soundtracks, and rare archival footage. It was the era of Lucky Lindy, bootleg, Babe Ruth, Valentino and assembly-line Fords. It was also the time of market collapse, Klan meetings, demagogues abroad, red scares at home and bread lines. The best of times, the worst of times, and the times in which the United States reluctantly moved center stage. The Road to WWII is an innovative 16-part series that examines this crucial time as it progressed from the Armistice in 1918 to the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. You will see the people who made history, hear their voices, and revisit the sites of events where consequence occurred. From the election of Roosevelt, to the rise of Hitler in Germany, it's all here.

DVD Information

Binding: DVD
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Brand:
Manufacturer: Questar
Original Release Date:
Actors:

• Eric Sevareid

Reviews

Related posts:

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2. Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970)
3. Force 10 From Navarone (1978)
4. Inglorious Bastards (Quel Maledetto Treno Blindato, 1978)
5. War Horse (2011)

official website: http://actofvalor.com/

Related posts:

1. “Act of Valor” set for 2012
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Short version:  Russian Bomber pilot Andrei Grivstov (Nikia Efremoy) is shot down over German territory, along with his love and radio operator Katia (Ekaterina Astakhova), and his Navigator, who was able to parachute before they crash.  They are separated, as he goes to prison, escapes to fight with guerillas and eventually work his way back to "the world", while Katia is able to infiltrate the German command.  The both of them at times are unknowingly close to each other, but never meet again, until the end (whoops! spoiler! But you knew it was coming....)  His navigator, well, I'll have to let you watch it for that.

I say short version, because a) This movie is three hours long, and b) It is really fairly complex as far as the plot goes.  Forget about a nice, simple, romance set in WWII Europe.  The romance is pretty ancillary to the rest of the movie, as is the entire "bomber" premise.  Really the aviation aspect only plays out in the first section of the movie, as Grivstov and his crew are nearly shot down once, then actually shot down shortly thereafter.

What you do get, though, is a complex web of a tale of loyalty, intrigue, combat, and betrayal.  I'm not even going to begin to try to explain the finer details of the plot.  It manages to take several different twists and turns, and does so without that "meandering" feel that can sometimes happen.  From their initial crash landing, separation, their separate stories which nearly brings them together a couple of times, the tension between pilot and navigator, the German-induced subversion....  like I said, it can get complicated.  But it all pans out in the end.  Keep in mind this was initially a TV miniseries, so with that in mind, it makes even more sense.

A big theme of the film (as I saw it with my western eyes) was the ruthlessness of the Russian command.  From the beginning where Grivstov is nearly labelled a conspirator for no good reason, to later on when he actually is labelled such (again for no good reason, with no evidence but a photo).... and contrasted with the German command....   Its a fair portrayal of the lesser of two evils.  The Stalin regime basically not being much better than what they were fighting, but having to defend their homeland out of necessity....

Production wise I was suitably impressed with The Bomber.  Any preconceived notions about the Russians making substandard movies should be chucked right out the window.  The only failing to my untrained eye was the CG airborne effects at the beginning.  They're still quite excellent, though.  Historically accurate? I can't say, but I "bought it", if you take my meaning.

The acting was really the high point of the film, though.  The two (three?) principals here really held their own throughout.  I can't give enough credit here.

But the action, especially during the final "train" combat sequence, was really, really excellent.  Coupled with the aforementioned attention to production (think blowing up trains and bridges) and I was never let down.

If there was a major flaw, I'd have to say it was the subtitles' translations.  I don't know Russian to save my own life, but some of the translations given either didn't make sense, used incorrect words/phrases for the context, or were themselves a mash of "foreign english."  Leaving out words/grammar that we would consider normal.....  A minor nitpick, I know, but a times could leave you having to translate the translation.

And, like I said, don't worry about the "love story" getting in the way.  It doesn't.  It is what drives the film to its final conclusion, but really at no point does the film really make any concessions to it.  That's just my opinion.

The Bomber is definitely worth the foray if you can get a copy (its not out in the states to my knowledge) and can sit down for a few hours, and actually get involved in a decently thought through story.  You won't be disappointed.

(Amazon link/info below is to the UK site... FYI)

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The Bomber [DVD] List Price: £12.99 Sale Price: £2.19 You save: £10.80 (83%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days

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United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: LANGUAGES: Russian ( Dolby Digital Stereo ), English ( Subtitles ), WIDESCREEN (1.78:1), SPECIAL FEATURES: Interactive Menu, Scene Access, SYNOPSIS: During World War II, a soviet aircraft crashes on Nazi-occupied territory. But the pilot Grivtsov and his beloved radio operator Katya miraculously survive. Another survivor is flight navigator Linko, who ejected from the plane. Each of them has to find his way and perform military tasks, return to his own forces and simply to stay alive. The situation becomes more complicated because of an act of sabotage, which has been committed before their take-off at the aerodrome. Honest Grivtsov gets on the bad side of the colonel of SMERSH by defending his friends. Instead of being granted a medal 'Star' for his 100th flight, he is pronounced a traitor and is to be executed. ...The Bomber (2011) ( Ballada o Bombere ) ( Ballad about the Bomber )

DVD Information

Binding: DVD
Aspect Ratio:
Audience Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Brand: REVOLVER ENTERTAINMENT
Manufacturer: Revolver Entertainment
Original Release Date:
Actors:

• Nikita Efremov
• Ekaterina Astakhova
• Aleksandr Davydov
• Vladislav Abashin
• Egor Barinov

Reviews

Related posts:

1. Dive Bomber (1941)
2. The Road to World War II (1978, 2011)
3. Ironclad (2011)
4. War Horse (2011)
5. Vietnam in HD (2011, Blu Ray)

In this version, Marshal (James Purefoy) is one of the famed Knights Templar, and becomes involved with the Barons whom King John has now effectively declared war on.  They make their stand at Rochester Castle, where he (inevitably) is conflicted by his vows to the church and his order, and his feelings for Rochester's daughter, Isabel (Kate Mara.)  Here, they manage to stave off the English army, almost literally to the last man (and woman) until the French arrive and save the day.  Again, not what happened.

As an action movie, though, it pretty much fits the bill.  Although it is an extremely graphic one.  Extremely.  There is enough blood visibly spilled, along with severed limbs and heads to fill more than a few buckets.  As an accurate depiction of medieval combat, I'm pretty sure they got pretty close to the mark.  But after a while you just start to go, "oh, man, that was unnecessary!"  Especially when Albany (Brian Cox) is, um, dispatched.

Purefoy is suitably stoic as Marshal, maybe too much so.  Kate Mara won't be winning any Oscars here, and the casting of Paul Giamatti as King John is either pure genius or a royal (ha) screwup.  He's just crazy enough to pull it off, which he does, but you've seen him enough in other movies as "that crazy guy" that it doesn't quite seem right.

So, put away the textbooks, and prepare your stomach.  Ironclad is a pretty decent medieval action/combat picture based in a compressed, altered version of English history.  I still have to give it a mere 6/10, though.  It's fair, but its not all that great.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1233301/

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Ironclad [Blu-ray] List Price: $20.99 Sale Price: $8.75 You save: $12.24 (58%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

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In the 13th century a determined group of Knights Templar defends Rochester Castle against the tyrannical King John. It is the year 1215 and the rebel barons of England have forced their despised King John to put his royal seal to the Magna Carta, a noble, seminal document that upheld the rights of free-men. Yet within months of pledging himself to the great charter, the King reneged on his word and assembled a mercenary army on the south coast of England with the intention of bringing the barons and the country back under his tyrannical rule. Barring his way stood the mighty Rochester castle, a place that would become the symbol of the rebel's momentous struggle for justice and freedom.

DVD Information

Binding: Blu-ray
Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Brand: Image Entertainment
Manufacturer: Arc Entertainment
Original Release Date:
Actors:

• Paul Giamatti
• Brian Cox

Reviews

Related posts:

1. Battle: Los Angeles (2011)
2. Vietnam in HD (2011, Blu Ray)
3. War Horse (2011)
4. Gettysburg (1993/2011, Director’s Cut, Blu Ray)
5. The Bomber (2011)

Of course those of us who religiously watched news websites from '97-'99 when the Star Wars prequel trilogy first started materializing recognize the name.  First thought to be a 'code name' for the first of those, but then, no, it might actually be a real movie... blah blah....  and here it is.

I will say I am looking forward to this, if nothing else for some amazing aerial combat scenes.  Even if a few look a bit far fetched (that stall maneuver being one of them!)...  If you look carefully, though, you'll see that they've recreated, quite faithfully some of the most iconic bits of stock footage of B-17 bomber raids, and casualties.  Most obvious is the "folding wing" bit of reel that never fails to make me cringe.....

Anyway, check out the trailer, and the link to the official movie site.  Oh wait, there doesn't seem to be one.  Shame on you Lucasfilm!!

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The backstory:  98-pound weakling Steve Rogers gets tapped for a government experiment to create a new breed of "super soldiers" to fight the Nazis in Europe.  Only it turns out there is a more sinister menace to deal with.  That of course is the still more ambitious world-domination-bent group HYDRA, helmed by the more-evil-than-Hitler "Red Skull" aka Johann Schmit.  After his initial transformation, he's sent out to be a spokesperson in a "Captain America" themed war bond tour, finally ending up in Europe and having to rescue his best friend, Bucky Barnes.  He's re-re-purposed (back to his original, uh, purpose) and he and his team hunt down Hydra's bases and ultimately (as always, without spoiling the fun) the good guys win.

I'm not about to debate the merits of this movie from a realistic or historic point of view.  Because it really hasn't any.  But that's not the point.  Actually, I fear a lot of the subtler points of the movie will be lost on today's generation, who a) don't understand a lot of WWII history, and b) don't get things like war bond drives and 4F jokes.

Of course, the real purpose of this film is to set up an "Avengers" movie somewhere down the road, along with the other recent Marvel onscreen characters Thor, Iron Man, and probably another Hulk movie.  (I can't remember if the last one was part of this effort or not!)  So yeah, SHIELD will make an obvious appearance here.  There's also a subtle tie-in to the Thor movie at the beginning, but its done in a way that if you didn't see Thor, you're not left scratching your head.

All-in all, there's lots of war-movie-like action to be had.  Even if it does involve human-vaporizing laser weapons, various Nazi-might-have-beens and other obvious anachronisms.  Actually I felt in a lot of places certain elements may have been "borrowed" from Raiders of the Lost Ark.  Such as the giant and imagined flying wing aircraft, and Schmit's scientist sidekick looking suspiciously like Major Toht at times.  Don't miss the visit by Himmler and Goebbels to Hydra's compound either, another moment probably lost on a lot of people as I don't think it was explained who they were.  At least it looked like it was supposed to be them. *shrug*

But what I thought really made this movie was its "respect" if you will for the entire character and mythos of Captain America, and the time he was conceived in.  Just another kid from Brooklyn turned super hero during the war.  The whole war bond tour and 4F routine, while probably foreign to a lot of viewers, are a big tip-of-the-hat to past war movies.  And, I've heard a lot of complaining about the in-your-face patriotism and "propaganda" present in this film, BUT THAT'S KIND OF THE POINT, isn't it?!  If anything it only makes everything better.

Chris Evans has the looks and chemistry to pull off this character big time, I can't say anything bad there.  They definitely found their "All American Boy."   Of course you've got to have a female character/love interest, and Hayley Atwell as Peggy Carter manages to be a strong, yet somehow stereotypical 40's female character at the same time.  Hugo Weaving is (as always) menacing as the evil Red Skull, even if the character's makeup kept reminding me of British heavy metal band Iron Maiden's mascot, Eddie.   And Tommy Lee Jones steals the show all around as Col. Philips, managing to be both the archetypal hard-ass superior and the source of a lot of straight-man comic relief.  Then there's the Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) character.  I've heard a lot of griping from the comic-purist community about how this was handled, and not knowing anything about the character's previous incarnations, I still thought it sucked.

The rest of the good Captain's team just seems to be along for the ride, though, which is understandable, not everyone can be front and center.  And (as I said) there is a cameo near the end by Samuel L. Jackson reprising his role from Iron Man 2 as part of the SHIELD organization.

What can go wrong?  Turns out, that much like Thor, there is a great deal of time spent on explaining the "origin" bit, which leaves precious little time for action.  From Roger's initial transformation and "discovery" we're left with quite a lull in the action.  Get past it, though, and it doesn't stop.

So, if you're willing to shut off your brain for a couple of hours, sit back and enjoy the ride, Captain America: The First Avenger just might take you back to the glory days of superheroes and war movies at the same time.  Maybe.  It did me, anyway.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0458339/

Related posts:

1. Battle: Los Angeles (2011)
2. The Road to World War II (1978, 2011)
3. Ironclad (2011)
4. The Bomber (2011)
5. Gettysburg (1993/2011, Director’s Cut, Blu Ray)