How 'bout a movie with that close-up?

Rating: 6/10 (29 May 2001)

Greetings again from the darkness. I have anxiously awaited "Pearl Harbor" due to lack of interesting films released over the past couple of months. After the first 45 minutes, I was ready to walk out. A relentless string of close-ups on our 3 beautiful young stars made me dizzy. However, once the real action began, this became a film to appreciate. Director Michael Bay (Armageddon, The Rock) again proves a master at huge special effects. I felt sadness and sickness during the attack, as well as pride in the actions of the soldiers. I bought Jon Voigt as FDR and thought Alec Baldwin was fine as the hardass flight instructor. Veteran actor Mako had the necessary screen presence to pull off the portrayal of Admiral Yamamota, and I thought Dan Aykroyd provided nice work in his limited role. My tidbit on this one is to check out Toru Tanaka, Jr (son of the 60's and 70's professional wrestler)as the bouncer in the bar. Overall, breathtaking war scenes and 3rd rate love scenes.