The Song is NOT the Worst Thing About This Movie

Rating: 5/10 (14 November 2003)

Although the theme song from "Pearl Harbor" by the usually terrific Faith Hill is annoying sappy, it is by no means the WORST thing about this movie. That honor, unfortunately belongs to the embarrassingly trite main plot of friendship lost and reclaimed due to lover's triangle. That device was probably old hat by the time of "Wings" (1929). However, to cheapen one of the most fateful and sorry episodes in American military history, while at the same time whitewashing Roosevelt's treachery, does a disservice to those who died for political expediency. Worse, producer Jerry Bruckheimer has assembled a cast made up largely of nasty, partisan liberals to preach to us how terrible we were NOT to see the threat posed by the Axis powers. Today it is generally known (if not widespread knowledge) that Roosevelt goaded the Japanese into war. Recent evidence even indicates US forces likely struck first. However, since this is ENTERTAINMENT and, moreso, a "human drama," let's focus on the real shortcomings of "Pearl Harbor". First, most of the film takes place in other locations, the "sneak attack" taking place in the middle third of the picture. The performances are fairly good, with the exception of John Voight, who plays President Roosevelt. John Voight looks and sounds like, well John Voight. He is utterly unconvincing, never more so than, in a possible flashback to "Coming Home," Voight, as Roosevelt, stands up on polio-paralyzed legs in front of his war staff. According to all accounts, the incident never happened and, as portrayed, is cheap theatrics.
Most of "Pearl Harbor" plays in a manner fitting the theme song, overproduced and bombastic. However, all of the technical credits (cinematography, costuming, set decoration, special effects) are terrific. However, you would do better to see "Tora! Tora! Tora!," "From Here to Eternity," even the miniseries "Pearl" if you want accuracy, believability and even good drama.