The Whale

We all go to see films for a variety of reasons, but typically those reasons are to either entertain or to witness true artistic film craft at its finest. Well, I must say, "The Whale" is truly a well crafted film that when seeing this, it isn't for entertainment value, but rather for the shear artistry that it is. The acting, writing and directing are stunning. 

A reclusive online English teacher, Charlie (Brendan Fraser) suffering from severe morbid obesity and is riddled with CHF (congestive heart failure) attempts to reconnect with his troubled, estranged daughter, Ellie (Sadie Sink) for one last chance at redemption. He certainly knows as well as his friend/visiting RN Liz (Hong Chau) that he could could die any day considering his diagnosis. So, since he refuses to go to the hospital, he asks Ellie to visit him and she begrudgingly decides to. Many things that he has done (or not done) has caused such an upheaval in his and his family's lives, which he is so depressed over, but now he feels that if he had this one last chance, could he be redeemed or is it way too late?

Others to round out the cast are Ty Simpkins as Thomas, Samantha Morton as Mary, Charlie's ex-wife, Sathya Sridharan as Dan the pizza man and Jacey Sink as young Ellie.

This was carefully delineated by director Darren Aronofsky ("Pi" '98, Requiem for a Dream" 2000, "The Fountain" '06, "The Wrestler" '08, "Black Swan" '10, "Noah" '14, "Mother!" '17) plus TV, shorts and a music video. Aronofsky is without a doubt an extremely talented director, but this has got to be his best direction yet. How he was able to extract the incredible nuances of emotion from his actors, especially that of Fraser, was simply astounding! Fraser certainly has quite the resume of interesting and well performed roles, but this was a sheer tour de force. Of course, with a director such as Aronofsky at the helm, it definitely helps. If you like the brand of this filmmaker, his "Adrift" is in pre production. It was brilliantly written by Simon D. Hunter based on his play. He only has TV and a short to his film credit, but since he is a playwright, I understand that he wouldn't have a ton of film experience. However, after seeing this film, he could easily obtain the interest from any producer or director to write another screenplay this being so well written. The sequence of scenes were so fluid that the pages jumped off the screen. The characters were developed  with incredible precision that you felt that you were eavesdropping in on real individuals. Fraser has always been a fine actor and I was sure sorry that he moved away from the limelight, but after seeing this film, hopefully he will come back to making more films. He will undoubtedly receive an Academy Award nomination, and could win for sure. 

Even though this film is a bit depressing, the artistry of the film will blow you away, especially if you are a film buff. This is a film about troubled people and how much their issues can and certainly does affect others. The question is, can they improve? We can ask ourselves that same question. 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                                 Rated: R                                                    116mins.

Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody

In the last 2-3 decades, Hollywood has invested a great deal of money and time in developing biopic films about performers. We've seen a plethora of them: "Ray", "Judy", "Bohemian Rhapsody", and the most recent "Elvis" to mention a handful. Now, to add to that ever growing list, we have "Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody" in the offing.

This is a joyous, emotional, heartbreaking celebration of the life and music of Whitney Houston (Naomi Ackie), one of the greatest R&B pop vocalists of all time, tracking her journey from obscurity to musical superstardom. Discovered by record executive Clive Davis (Stanley Tucci), Houston rises to fame in the 1980's to become one of the greatest singers of her generation, subsequently obtaining the title "The Voice". As with so many other talented past singers, Houston had a litany of issues--drug and alcohol issues to mention a couple. 

Others to round out the cast are Ashton Edwards as Bobby Brown, Tamara Tunie as Cissy Houston, Whitney's mother, Clarke Peters as John Houston, Whitney's father, Napessa Williams as Robyn Crawford, Daniel Washington as Gary Houston, JaQuan Malik Jones as Michael Houston, Kris Sidberry as Pat Houston and Dave Heard as Rickey Minor. 

This was executed well by director Kasi Lemmons ("Eve's Bayou" '97, "The Caveman's Valentine" '01, "Talk to Me" '07, "Black Nativity" '13, "Harriet" '19) plus TV and a short. Considering this filmmaker's very eclectic resume, it was not surprising that she wouldn't be able to handle a film such as this. Really, the only other film that is basically a biopic that she has directed is "Harriet", so she didn't have a great amount of experience with this particular genre, however having the one film under her belt could've only helped her with this project. The pacing of Ackie and Tucci was exercised well and brought a certain realism to those characters. It was adequately written by Anthony McCarten ("The English Harem" (TV movie) '05, "Show of Hands" (based on his novel) '08, "Death of a Superhero" (based on his novel) '11, "The Theory of Everything" '14, "Darkest Hour" '17, "Bohemian Rhapsody" '18, "The Two Popes" '19) plus TV and shorts. Although this screenplay was accurately written as far as pacing, clarity, cohesiveness and sequencing of the different scenes, I can't help but think that it would've been clearer to the audience if McCarten had delved more into why and how Houston became as problematic as she did. In other words, what and or who drove her to the bevy of issues she ended up with? I realize that by adding this aspect, it would only increase the running time longer than it already is, however if he decreased a bit of the section where she was problematic because of the issues, the running time probably wouldn't be any longer, but we would receive more of a poignant insight of this troubled soul. Otherwise, this script was rock solid by an obvious and experienced writer. 

Certainly if you like the music of Whitney Houston, which I do, you will revel with this. Interesting that she did lead a double life as a bisexual which did surprise me, but I suppose it is somewhat understanding since the biz she was in caters to many different lifestyles. If one sees this, it will clearly be for the music, since she was donned as 'The Voice'.

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                            Rated: PG-13                                            145mins.

Babylon

Hollywood, in my opinion, has always been a questionable community for many decades, but if "Babylon" has any truth ti it, I certainly pegged that opinion correct. This expose of the early days of the Hollywood era was rife with decadence that was incredibly stunning. This being set at the mid 1920's, and displaying all the gratuitous everything, it's no wonder why this country financially collapsed in 1928--consequences having to be paid.

A tale of outsized ambition and outrageous excess, this story traces the rise and fall of multiple characters during an era of unbridled decadence and depravity in early Hollywood. It starts in 1926 during the silent film era with an established lead star Jack Conrad (Brad Pitt) as 'king of the hill'. He hires an assistant, Manny Torres (Diego Calva) who, after some lucky breaks and connections subsequently becomes a studio executive. Before that happens, Manny meets and befriends a would be actress discovery, Nellie LaRoy (Margot Robbie) who gets a break in a role when the star that project was supposed to do the role, ends up killing herself. Nellie becomes a huge star and becomes friends with Jack and all the other actors. But, in a community, where egos are huge and narcissism is the order of the day, there is much conflict and then throw in the progression of talkie films coming into play by 1927, and it becomes a perfect storm for many problems and issues that run the gambit. 

Others to round out the cast are Olivia Wilde as Ina Conrad, Jack's estranged wife, Jean Smart as critic, Elinor St. John, Jovan Adepo as musician, Sidney Palmer, Flea as director Bob Levine, Li Jun Li as Lady Fay Zhu, Lukas Haas as George Munn, Eric Roberts as Robert Roy, Nellie's father, Jeff Garlin as producer Don Wallach and Rory Scovel as The Count.

This was brilliantly and intensely directed by Damien Chazelle ("Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench" '09, "Whiplash" '14, "La La Land" '16, "First Man" '18) plus TV, a short and a video. As with his past films, Chazelle knows just the right amount of emotion his actors need to emit in order to convince the audience that these characters really do exist, and this film is no exception. Each film he helms simply gets better and better. It was also written by Chazelle ("Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench" '09, "The Last Exorcism Part II" '13, "Grand Piano" '13, "10 Cloverfield Lane" '16, "La La Land" '16) plus a short. As director, Chazelle excelled, however when it clearly came to the writing, the story simply became bogged down with continuity and cohesiveness issues. Maybe he was taking on too much of a premise to truly capture the essence that he was attempting to convey, otherwise, it just became lost after a while. Also, I understand the need to show us how depraved the ones in that community were, however it was incredibly gratuitous, to say the least, in bringing that point across. The beginning scene was one of a couple where it made me cringe because it just went on and on with the depravity. The acting, especially by that of Pitt, Robbie and Calva was handled amazingly well, but even they, the top stars that they are, couldn't save this. Also, this was a bit long-in-the-tooth--about 20 minutes could've been left out and it wouldn't have lost anything in the story.

Was this a total wash? No, of course not. There were some truly interesting scenes that actually tugged at your heart, but suffice it to say, the screenplay needed to be worked over again. If you're a Pitt or Robbie fan, you'll love this. Also, this is rated R for a reason. This not for kids or even some adults, so buyer beware.

Out of 4 Stars: 2                                          Rated: R                                                  190mins.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

Being the end of year film season, we haven't seen an abundance of animated flicks released. One would think that with the holiday season here i.e. Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc., animated, or family oriented films would be the order of the day. Well, Dreamworks Animation hasn't let us down with releasing "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish", which is a brilliant follow up of the favorite "Puss in Boots" '11.

Everyone's favorite leche-loving, swashbuckling, fear-defying feline returns. For the first time in more than a decade, Dreamworks Animation presents a new adventure in the 'Shrek' universe as daring outlaw Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) discovers that his passion for peril and disregard for safety have taken their toll. Puss has burned through eight of his nine lives, though he lost count along the way. Getting those lives back will send Puss in Boots on his grandest quest yet. Puss embarks on an epic journey into the Black Forest to find the mythical Wishing Star and restore his lost lives. But with only one life left, Puss will have to humble himself and ask for help from his former partner and nemesis: the captivating Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek). In their quest, Puss and Kitty will be aided--against their better judgment--by a ratty, chatty, relentlessly cheerful mutt Perro (Harvey Guillen). Together, our trio of heroes will have to stay one step ahead of Goldilocks (Florence Pugh) and The Three Bears Crime Family, "Big" Jack Horner (John Mulaney) and terrifying bounty hunter, The Big Bad Wolf (Wagner Moura).

Others to round out the cast are Ray Winstone as Papa Bear, Olivia Colman as Mama Bear, Samson Kayo as Baby Bear, Da'Vine Joy Randolph as Mama Luna, Anthony Mendez as Doctor and Joel Crawford as Band Member.

This was whimsically and creatively directed well by Joel Crawford ("Trolls Holiday" (TV movie) '17, "The Croods: A new Age" '20) plus a video game and co-directed by Januel Mercado (TV and a video). Between the over-the-top emotions involved here and the fun, quick editing to captivate continued attention, this director, along wit Mercado as co-director excelled in spades and the film simply flowed like water. It was brilliantly written by Paul Fisher ("Flushed Away" (additional screenplay material) '06, "The Lego Ninjago Movie" '12, "The Croods: A New Age"'20) plus TV and Tommy Swerdlow ("Cool Runnings" '93, "Little Giants" '94, "Bushwhacked" '95, "Snow Dogs" '02, "A Thousand Junkies" '17, "The Grinch" '18) plus TV, based on a story by Swerdlow and Fisher. Even though neither of these writers were involved in the original, the script here was simply perfect. It was paced and sequenced with extreme fluidity, and the premise and execution of the story was amazingly well told. These writers are some of the best writers in the biz that I 've seen in a while. Hopefully they will create another amazing screenplay very soon so we can be as entertained as much as with this story. And, as usual, Dreamworks Animation's animation was incredibly designed well showcasing these characters and their surroundings with such expertise.

Kudos to the entire staff of this production. It was written, directed and acted well and the entertainment factor went off the charts. If you liked the original "Puss in Boots", you'll love this one. It had it all: humor, adventure, fun and heart--a great family film for sure. Grab the popcorn and revel with this! I know I did!

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                              Rated: PG                                              102mins.

Empire of Light

There are films that are made simply to entertain, and then there are those that are crafted with artistic endeavor where the two are typically never combined. As with the case of "Empire of Light, it was crafted with such expertise artistically that you feel like you just left a film theory class. 

Set in an English seaside town in the early 1980's, this story is a powerful and poignant tale about human connection and the magic of cinema. Empire movie theater comprises of a group of eclectic characters, namely Hilary (Olivia Colman), new employee, Stephen (Micheal Ward), manager, Donald Ellis (Colin Firth), projectionist, Norman (Toby Jones), Neil (Tom Brooke) and Janine (Hannah Onslow), where their issues are aplenty. Whether it be anger, self-deprecation, depression, self-centeredness and the like, it's amazing how any work gets done. Some have moderate issues, whereas others are truly bent and really are not cognisant of them. But, through the magic of cinema and the willingness of being able to escape into a film, it's truly amazing how well this group seems to get along. 

Others to round out the cast are Crystal Clarke as Ruby, Tanya Moodie as Delia, Monica Dolan as Rosemary Bates, Ron Cook as Mr. Cooper, Sara Stewart as Brenda Ellis, Donald's wife and Justin Edwards as Jim Booth. 

This was painstakingly well crafted by Director Sam Mendes ("Cabaret" (TV movie) '93, "American Beauty" '99, "Road to Perdition" '02, "Jarhead" '05, "Revolutionary Road" '08, "Away We Go" '09, "Skyfall" '12, "King Lear" '14, "Spectre" '15, "The Lehman Trilogy" '19, "1917" '19) plus a video. As one can see by this filmmaker's resume, he allows his audience to look into the lives of certain characters so much of the time that when observing these characters, it gives us the sense of eavesdropping into other lives because the direction is delineated with such conciseness. There is no stone unturned with his direction, and this film is of no exception. If you like and appreciate this filmmaker's brand of directing, his "The Motive and the Cue" is in pre production. It was delineated with such expertise by writer Mendes as well. And even though "1917" '19 was his only other film in which he wrote, this, as with "1917" was incredibly well written. With his incredible ability to direct and working with a cavalcade  of writers, he has been able to develop screenplays with such aplomb that he seems a consummate pro. Although this story comes across as unfathomably depressing, I believe it was purposely designed that way so as to look into the different troubled lives of the employees of the Empire theater. It would've been much easier for the writer to create similar traits of the characters, however Mendes transcended above that and developed each and every character with not only such precision, but also deep quirks that it made it that much more intriguing to view for any audience. 

This film was an incredibly captivating film, where the writer was able to describe each character to a degree that gave the audience a sense that they knew these people by films' end. Is this film for anyone? No, because of the complexities of these characters, there are some that wouldn't feel comfortable seeing certain things up on that screen. One isn't really seeing this for the entertainment factor as much as for its artistry. It is incredibly well acted, directed and written. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me to see Mendes and Colman receiving a nod for directing and acting respectively, come Oscar time. 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                            Rated: R                                               115mins.

Avatar: The Way of Water

Way back in 2009 when "Avatar" was released, you never thought that there would be a sequel. Well, several years later, talk about it was flying around, so before one knew it, a sequel was definitely in the works. I really thought that it would be a waste of time, because a sequel wouldn't work. Well, now that I've seen this film, not only did it work, it was probably better than its predecessor.

Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, this tells the story of the Sully family, Jake (Sam Worthington0, Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) and the kids, the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure. The Sullys' live on the extrasolar moon Pandora. Once a familiar threat headed up by Col. Quaritch (Stephen Lang) returns to finish off what was previously started, Jake must work with Neytiri and the army of the Na'vi race (people of the water) to protect their home. 

Others to round out the cast are Sigourney Weaver as Kari, Kate Winslet as Ronal, Cliff Curtis as Tonowari, Joel David Moore as Norm, Edie Falco as General Ardmore, CCH Pounder as Mo'at, Jack Champion as Spider, Britain Dalton as Lo'ak, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss as Tuk, Brendan Cowell as Scoresby, Jemaine Clement as  Dr. Garvin and Jamie Flatters as Neteyam. 

This was brilliantly directed by veteran James Cameron ("The Terminator" '84, "Aliens" '86, "The Abyss" '89, "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" '91, "True Lies" '94, "Titanic" '97, "Avatar" '09, "Alita: Battle Angel" '19) plus others, TV, video games and shorts. What can I say but that Cameron's creation of these characters simply came to life when seeing them on the screen. He gave the audience that incredible feeling of not only the closeness of family, but, when something happens, the family is right there, no matter what. Certainly Worthington and Saldana reprised their roles from the original which made this closeness even tighter, but it was definitely Cameron's direction that enhanced that feeling as well. It was incredibly written by Cameron, Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, based on the story by Cameron, Jaffa, Silver, Josh Friedman and Shane Salerno. This story leapt off the page at me with a vengeance. I was entertained from the first frame until the last. Unless I just wasn't prepared for the original film, this continuation just spoke to me in spades. It was concise, cohesive, all the while bringing a certain nuance to the story that brought me closer to the characters involved. Considering the vast experience these writers have, it's no doubt that the script was penned with such expertise. But they were also able to bring heart to this story as well. And the visual effects designed by both ILM (Industrial, Light & Magic) and Weta Digital were seamless and truly enhanced the story. 

If you liked the original "Avatar", you truly will like this as well. It has it all: adventure, redemption, heart, humor and suspense all rolled up in an incredible story about humanity at its worst and best. I saw it in 3D which was awesome, but if you're interested, it's also presented in an IMAX format for that up, close and personal feeling. Even though it exceeds a 3 hour running time, it moves fight along. Enjoy!

Out of 4 Star: 4                                            Rated: PG-13                                           193mins.

Violent Night

Well, it's the Christmas season once again. Ho! Ho! Ho! We used to have several holiday movies released yearly, but recently they have dwindled. They come in all genres: comedy, drama or even a musical format, and they may be designed to inspire or just entertain. As with "Violent Night", it's basically designed to entertain.

When a team of mercenaries headed up by Mr. Scrooge (John Leguizamo) breaks into a wealthy family compound on Christmas Eve, taking everyone including Gertrude Lightstone (Beverly D'Angelo), Jason Lightstone (Alex Hassell), Linda (Alexis Louder), Jason's wife and Trudy (Leah Brady), Jason and Linda's daughter, inside hostage, the team isn't prepared for a surprise combatant: Santa Claus (David Harbour) is on the grounds, and he's about to show why this Nick is no saint. Will he be able to save this family and still finish his job for the night?

Others to round out the cast are Cam Giganet as Morgan Steel, Edi Patterson as Alva Lightstone, Alexander Elliot as Bert, Brendan Fletcher as Krampus, Andre Erikeen as Gingerbread, Mike Dopud as Commander Thorp, Mitra Suri as Candy Cane and Stephanie Sy as Sugarplum.

This was intensely and grittily directed by Tommy Wirkola ("Kill Buljo: The Movie" '07, "Dead Snow" '09, "Kurt Josef Wagle og legenden om Fjorheksa" '10, "Hanzel & Gretel: Witch Hunters" '13, "Kill Buljo 2" '13, "Dead Snow 2: Red vs. Dead" '14, "Kurt Josef Wagle og mordmysteriet pa Hurtigruta"'17, "The Trip" '21) plus TV. These characters are all over-the-top which obviously was deliberate making it even more fun and entertaining. It shows us that Santa Claus isn't just this fat, white-bearded jolly old elf that flings toys to all the good kids. He is also, when pushed into a corner, an entirely different sort, and Wirkola was definitely able to extract those differences from Harbour. It was written by writing team Pat Casey and Josh Miller ("Sledgehammers at Dawn" '13, "Team Hot Wheels: The Skills to Thrill" (TV movie) '15, "Sonic the Hedgehog" '20, "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" '22) plus TV, shorts and a video. These writers certainly know their way around a screenplay; you need only to look at their resume to understand. Even though there were  characters that represented good and bad, there were sill references of bad within the good and visa versa which makes it a bit more realistic in creating the story. If I had to akin this film with any other, it would have to be "Home Alone", but that film on steroids. I feel it was a sort of homage to "Home Alone" since the references were so blatant. This Santa has been doing his job probably a bit too long, but maybe. just maybe he finds new life when protecting these people. Other than a couple of very small places of continuity issues, this was spot on with its storytelling.

If you like Christmas films, or more to the point, a Christmas film that takes an untraditional trek, this is the film for you. The poster gives the appearance of a horror flick, and with its title, one can only wonder. But in reading about the film, I came to realize it's not horror, but rather a rough and tumble comedy with suspense thrown in. It's a fun film for what it is replete with pratfalls, blood and good vs. evil with a Santa Claus backdrop. Ho! Ho! Ho!

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                           Rated: R                                            112mins.

Strange World

As we are in the midst of the end of the year film season, we find what typically is released during the summer film season in the form of "Strange World", because it is an animated film, released now. Disney usually creates animated work that is more traditional, however with this film, they went out on that proverbial limb. 

This action-packed adventure introduces a legendary family of explorers, the Clades including Jaeger Clade (Dennis Quaid), Searcher Clade (Jake Gyllenhaal), Ethan Clade (Jaboukie Young-White) and Meridian Clade (Gabrielle Union), as they attempt to navigate an uncharted, treacherous land alongside a motley crew that includes a mischievous blog that Ethan named Splat, a three-legged dog named Legend and a slew of ravenous creatures. Do they make it out of this strange land or are they trapped forever?

Others to round out the cast are Lucy Liu as Callisto Mal, Karan Soni as Caspian, Alan Tudyk as narrator/radio host/Lt. Duffle, Adelina Anthony as Pulk, Abraham Evenrubi as Lonnie Redshirt, Jonathan Melo as Diazo, Nik Dodani as Kardez, Francesca Reale as Azi Muth, Emily Kutoda as Ro and Reed Buck as Rory. 

This was directed with a one two punch by Don Hall ("Big Hero 6" '14) and co-directed by Qui Nguyen. Hall is a main staple artist for Disney with a ton of animation work under his belt whereas he is developing into a talented director as well. With his knowledge of animation coupled with his newer ability of directing, he was able to create a stimulating connection with these different and eclectic characters. Even though Qui Nguyen has no other feature film experience, I'm sure his input was pivotal, especially being the writer of this. As just mentioned, this script was penned by Qui Nguyen ("Raya and the Last Dragon" '21, "The un-Princess not Bride" '21, She Kills Monsters" '22) plus TV and a short. Certainly, by his resume, he is more of a seasoned writer than being behind the camera, but in time and more work, that should change. This script is an incredibly well crafted one with a very fresh, original story--something that Disney, of late, isn't really known for. They typically have the tendency to go for remakes or something that's tried and true and easy and inexpensive to put together. So kudos to them for their willing to accept this premise. Really, the only thing I have an issue with about this story is the fact that the son, Ethan of Searcher has a sexual identity problem in that he is interested in his buddy Diazo. This typically wouldn't be an issue with me, however since this is an animated film rated PG that is targeted toward young and very young kids, I feel this, first of all, is inappropriate for a demographic that is in their formative years, and secondly, because of this, this wasn't an issue that was pivotal in order for this story to work. Disney also attempted this same tactic with "Lightyear", by inserting a kiss, albeit quick, but a kiss between two women in another animated rated PG film. It was somewhat controversial that it didn't garner the profits they were expecting. So, since Disney is woke, it seems like they just have to get political when it's not necessary. Nguyen did a great job with the story, otherwise and deserves kudos for that. I can't wait to see another film with his writing credit on it.

If you like original and freshness in a premise, this is the film for you. You be the judge if you want to let your very young child see this given the sexual identity issue within it. Otherwise, it does have a great message of families coming together after a difficult trek and reuniting realizing what  their real priorities are. The creatures are amazingly original and wondrous. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                          Rated: PG                                               101mins.

Devotion

We've all seen war films including WWI, WWII, the Vietnam War, the Middle East War, but other than the film "M*A*S*H" '70, "Devotion" is really the only other film that has the Korean War, or otherwise known as the forgotten war, as its backdrop. Based on a true story, it's a riveting film about comraderie, teamwork and the devotion involved in order to combat any mission.

This story is an aerial war epic based on the best selling book of the same name about the harrowing true story of two elite US Navy fighter pilots, Ens. Jesse Brown (Jonathan Majors) and Ens. Tom Hudner (Glen Powell) during the Korean War. Their heroic sacrifices would ultimately make them the Navy's most celebrated wingmen. It all starts with their training under the command of Lt. Comm. Dick Cevola (Thomas Sadoski) aboard a USS aircraft carrier. Most of the men are single except Brown who has to be concerned for his wife Daisy (Christina Jaxkson). With the comraderie of other pilots including Marty Goode (Joe Jonas), Bill Koenig (Daren Kagasoff), Ed Lavery (Spencer Neville) and Carol Mohring (Nick Hargrove), these guys put together an incredible team that excels in their missions.

Others to round out the cast are Boone Platt as Buddy Gill, Dean Denton as Captain Sisson, Thad Luckinbill as Peters, Joseph Cross as Charlie Ward, Serinda Swan as Elizabeth Taylor and Matt Riedy as Hudner Sr

It was directed with such pathos and determination by J.D. Dillard ("Quick Change" .05, "Judy Goose" '06, "Overheard in NYC" '08, "Mariah" '09, "Sleight" '16, "Sweetheart" '19) plus TV. There was such a chasm of emotion between these pilots in that they'll be like regular guys having comaderie, to seeing another and breaking down with a buddy because they're extremely hurting and anywhere in between. These characters simply cared about each other and this director saw fit that we, the audience could see this. It was surprisingly written well from Jake Crane (shorts) and Jonathan A.H. Stewart (1 short), based on the book by Adam Makos. When I was prepping for this review before viewing the film, I noticed that these writers had virtually no experience in the feature film biz, so I went to see the film with great trepidation. However, after seeing this film, I was amazingly surprised how well thought out this story was as it unfolded before my eyes. it was concise, cohesive, and its sequence was especially spot on. These writers have obviously honed their talent on TV and shorts, and with that have proven themselves as the writers they are. What is interesting is that if this is the quality of their first feature film screenplay, it should be interesting to see what they produce next. The aerial coordination by Kevin LaRosa II was incredibly shot well and looked amazing on the large screen. 

Certainly, if you like war films, this will be a treat for you, however, if it's not your cup of tea, the aerials, acting and photography was incredible. This was exhaustive in its research, so much so, that the audience felt like that could keep them glued to the screen.

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                           Rated: PG-13                                              139mins.