"Harbor" to ride "Titanic" formula for success

Rating: 10/10 (27 May 2001)

Much like the 1998 megahit "Titanic", "Pearl Harbor" uses the formula of placing a melodramatic love story with fictional or composite characters against the backdrop of and epic historical event. It even uses the same trick as to have the fictional characters interact with actual persons who were part of the actual event. The formula worked for James Cameron, so there's no reason to think it won't work here. The characters are likeable and well-acted, the story is somewhat plausible and the sheer size and expense of the production make it more than worth the price of admission. Any true movie goer owes it to themselves and the Hollywood establishment to see this film, if for nothing else, to encourage the producers of such monumental films to open up and make more films like this in the future. I can hardly wait for the sequel...."Hiroshima"....the feel good hit of next summer, maybe?