I Think World War II Just Started

Rating: 6/10 (14 October 2008)

Michael Bay's "Pearl Harbor" is terrific, explosive, exciting, and technically well-made. John Schwartzman's photography, and the film's effects, are outstanding; and, many of the supporting performances would have been exceptional, in a better story. Unfortunately, this film is far too long, and focuses on a the lamest possible retelling of the eternal "love triangle" during a war setting.
The film's length is not justifiable. First of all, the Japanese segments are pointless; since there is no attempt to portray them accurately, or with substance, they should have remained in the shadows. Secondly, the underused supporting cast's stories are even not worthy of inclusion. For example, Cuba Gooding Jr. appears to receive a medal, due to his race, apparently. And, Jon Voight appears to do his Franklin D. Roosevelt impression. But, Winston Churchill and Adolf Hitler appear as themselves. So, wasn't the real Roosevelt good enough?
Ben Affleck (as Rafe McCawley), Josh Hartnett (as Danny Walker), and Kate Beckinsale (as Evelyn Johnson) make up the starring threesome; and, they are earnest and attractive, playing out the storyline like they were acting in an old movie. Still, there really isn't anything to this trio; compare them, for starters, with the extraordinary characterizations in the silent "Wings" (1927). Then, see "From Here to Eternity" (1953). Either of those film's stories would have been preferable to this non-smoking "Pearl Harbor".
It's all so obviously contrived and predictable; and, with such good production values, a certain level of disappointment is assured.
****** Pearl Harbor (5/21/01) Michael Bay ~ Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, Kate Beckinsale, Cuba Gooding Jr.