An amazing tale of both triumph and tragedy!

Rating: 10/10 (16 September 2005)

First of all, can I say anything else but wow! Then again, what can you expect from America's finest actor, Alec Baldwin? Initially I was very disinterested in the film when I was under the impression that Leo was the only big-name actor it had to offer. However, when I saw that one of my all time favorite entertainers, Alec, was in it I just had to see!! Sadly, Alec's part was not very large and so the whole of this review will be focusing on Leonardo DiCaprio.
You might at first expect the film to be boring, what with its excessively long time frame. However, as they say, time flies when you're having fun and you'll definitely have fun watching this exciting film! My favorite part had to be when Howard Hughes locked himself away for days. At first I was appalled when I realized that DiCaprio was indeed nude. However, the nudity was done rather tastefully and not at all pornographically like in other Hollywood films of this day in age. The raw emotion portrayed in this bit of the film was amazing. It literally had me in tears! I feared it was the end of the movie when in fact, it was only the beginning! Next thing you know, Hughes is off to a conference with the despicable Senator Ralph Owen Brewster who is artfully portrayed by acting veteran Alan Alda. Despite my dislike for DiCaprio, I was routing for Hughes the entire time! I was relieved when he overcame those mean old senators and got his way! What I would also like to mention is DiCaprio's amazing portrayal of Hughes' speech problem. It was incredibly believable when he could not stop saying, "It's the way of the future." I mean what a way to end a film!! Just...wow.
The final thing I will speak about is the amazing group of ladies in this movie! Cate Blanchett was absolutely amazing as Katharine Hepburn! A five star performance! Kate Beckinsale did wonderfully as Ava Gardner, and Gwen Stefani was stunning as Jean Harlow. Great work girls! All in all, The Aviator is an outstanding piece of cinematic work that people of all ages can enjoy! The actors and actresses deserve to be honored for years to come for their awesome work.