Good Film Capturing The Life Of An American Tank Crew In WWII

Rating: 7/10 (20 October 2014)

I generally like to digest a film for awhile after I see it. Case in Point: "There Will Be Blood" The first time that I saw this masterpiece by P.T. Anderson, I thought that it was an average film. By the third time I watched it, I was blown away. Anyway, I caught this movie yesterday at a local movie tavern. There are some subtle nuances in this film, directed by David Ayer that are worth mentioning.
In an early scene, the allies endure a bombing run carried out by ME262 aircraft, the first jet fighters in the history of warfare. We never actually see the ME262s but the unmistakable whine of jet engines are brilliantly mixed into the audio portion of the film. Also, the audio mix of 30 cal, 50 cal, and and 75mm guns are among the best I've experienced in the cinema. I would not be surprised to see this movie nominated for Best Sound. This film makes you feel like you're there, from the cramped, fetid quarters of a Sherman tank to the open countryside of western Germany.
The battlefield choreography is on the same level as "Saving Private Ryan" with an intricate dance of American and Nazi tanks engaged in a ballet of death. The dramatic action is solidly presented as bonds of brotherhood are formed within this tight knit tank crew led by Don "Wardaddy" Collier played by Brad Pitt.
The screenplay is decent, the acting is good, the directing and cinematography are very good. Shia LeBeouf steps out of his usual comfort zone and turns in a very good performance as Boyd "Bible" Swan. There are also solid performances by Jon Bernthal, Michael Pena, and Logan Lerman.