An excellent movie!

Rating: 10/10 (27 May 2001)

The day of May 25th dawned. I was planning on attending opening night of Pearl Harbor with one of my good friends, Laura. We counted down the entire day, giggling and thinking with smiles that we would see Ben and Josh in uniform very soon. Well, we got to see them in uniform, but we got much more...
Laura and I seated ourselves in the theater. We were pretty quiet, but talked about our friends, other movies, food, etc. to pass the time. I noticed by the fact that the theater was huge that this movie was going to be something. But I didn't pay much notice of it except for that observation. Then, the previews rolled, the lights dimmed, and the theater grew silent...then I watched...
Several times while I was watching, I kept saying to myself "Are you really watching this? This is Pearl Harbor! The most talked about movie all year..." I remembered the bad reviews, e.g. Rotten Tomatoes, and wondered how they could beat on a movie that was so wonderful. It was completely lost on me. I said to myself "Were they even watching the movie?"
As the movie ended, the lights came on, the credits rolled, and Faith Hill's unutterably beautiful song "There You'll Be" sounded from the speakers, I noticed the people were having a very difficult time getting up from their chairs, as I was. My hands were cupped around my chin, and I turned to Laura. She was wiping tears from her eyes. I finally got out of my seat quietly, as people began to exit the theater. Laura coughed, and said "So how about we shoot all those people that gave this bad reviews?" I heartily agreed, laughing.
We stumbled up the stairs and outside, talking nonstop about how great the movie was. I took note that everyone walking out of the theater seemed to be having my difficulty walking, and I saw many wiping tears from their eyes and saying how awesome the movie was.
Now, I'm no critic, but I have to say that this movie was probably the best I've seen in a long time. It ran the gamut from an epic-journey of grandeur, to a small-town tale of romance and heroism. The cast was stellar and refreshing. Ben Affleck shined in his role as Rafe, and delivered his lines wonderfully. Josh Hartnett was perfect for his role as well, as Danny Walker. He was both believeable and tremendously realistic. For Kate Beckinsale, this movie could be her big break. I was touched by her heroism and courage, and I felt my heart ache for her the entire time.
Major kudos to Michael and Jerry, who were stars of this film without even being onscreen. They directed this movie very well, and the action scenes were phenomenal! Absolutely mind-blowing...astounding...I couldn't believe how good they were. They certainly did not disappoint.
All in all...this is a masterpiece film. Critics trashed it...my friends trashed it...but I loved it. Ironic, I know. But for me, Laura, the audience, and the veterans...this is a movie to remember. :)