Good movie, although a bit long.

Rating: 8/10 (3 June 2001)

Pearl Harbour is the second major "summer movie"(after moulin rouge) here in NZ(where it is winter). I saw it at an advance screening where it was shown on all 12 screens at the local multiplex,(starting time delayed by 30 mins).
Pearl Harbour was, for the most part what I expected. Average love story, based around the beginnings of the war for america, climaxing in the bombing of Pearl Harbour, with what I thought (may be considered a slight spoiler) an unnecessary afternote causing what was a bad ending to an otherwise good movie.
There is quite a large cast in Pearl Harbour, with the main characters of Affleck, Harnett, and Beckinsale taking centre stage with the love triangle which drives along through the movie.
I love Bruckheimer productions, as they are generally fun, action packed movies however Pearl Hrbour is slightly different, being based on fact. I saw a startiling resemblance to Armageddon, however, as the story set up is quite similar,this is both good and bad. Good: respectfully tackles a true life event Bad: as with Armageddon goes on too long
The length was the only real problem in this blockbuster. I could get passed the flag waving and historical simplifications(what else would you expect from such a movie?). But the length and ending caused my opinion of the movie to change ('slight spoiler' the film makers could not just leave it as america being defeated at Pearl Harbour could they?)
Anyway, for blockbuster entertainment about a sad historical event the movie is quite good, and despite what critics say, worth seeing. **** out of *****