An Honest Review

Rating: 2/10 (26 March 2017)

Well, it is a little different. That can be said about it.
Pearl Harbor is sort of a WWII remake of China Beach.
Anyone remember China Beach? The series about Vietnam that was more soap opera than war? The series that was one long love affair ala 90210 style "who're hooking up with who" drama? Anyone remember that? Yes? No? Well, Pearl Harbor is kind of China Beach set in Hawaii and post dated to the 1940s. It sort of has that "War isn't a tragedy, it's a love affair" kind of vibe to it.
But then it is Bay and MOST of his movies seem to have a political Agenda. He's not even really trying to hide it these days is he? Sure, when Pearl Harbor was made he was still sort of keeping it under wraps, but now...he's making movies blatantly far right.
So, it's a Bay film so I guess the central theme of it is "WAR IS AWESOME AND America SHOULD START MORE WARS" It certainly, amidst the tragedy of the actual Pearl Harbor still comes off as a propaganda film and one that suggests that "America should be at war with someone all the time and you should join the military right away so you get your chance to heroically serve in one." I like Edwin Starr's version of it more, to be honest.
But honestly, Bay always seems to have a specific agenda in his films and it's usually to glorify the mass and senseless slaughter of thy fellow man.
Pearl Harbor is no different.
I go to movies to be entertained...I like to save propaganda for talk radio.