Not quite....

Rating: 3/10 (30 May 2001)

This is a movie filled with not quites...
Not quite enough historical accuracy: There were far too many times where the movie played loose with the facts.
Not quite enough maturity: This film plays like so many other Bay movies. So much flash and so little substance. Far too many film tricks, and not enough story.
Not quite good enough actors: Affleck is a fine man, but he doesn't have the gravitas to pull off this role. The same goes for Hartnett and
Beckinsale.
Not quite good enough writing: Voight is fine, but has nothing to do as FDR, and the FDR scenes appear grafted on to add weight to a flimsy movie. Cuba Gooding Jr. is fine as Dorie Miller, but has only a tenuous connection to the main characters. The Asian actors are all great, but their scenes border on silly, and try to present a "pc" view of the Japanese military.
Not quite good enough music: All great films have great music. This film does not have great music. It is entirely forgettable.
Not quite enough movie: This movie is extremely padded, and the final third again appears grafted on.
This could have been a great film. However, too many areas just weren't developed properly. It's sad, but expected. Mr. Bay should stick to flashy action films and leave the high-powered war dramas to the professionals.