Not all it was cracked up to be.

Rating: 5/10 (28 January 2005)

Although Hughes was well known in America this film perhaps assumes the international viewer has too much knowledge of Hughes' oddities and wealth. I watched it with two others who kept needing background information. The film dragged at times and both others wandered off before the ending. The film seemed to end too abruptly as if someone from the studio had said 'enough already' and Hughes' descent during the latter years of his life was ignored. Leonardo was good at times (especially the Senate hearings) which was a surprise, and he had some fabulous performances supporting him. It'll probably win Oscars but only because Hollywood all get together to agree the Emporer is wearing fine clothes. At the end I am left wanting only to go buy Hell's Angels and Scarface.