Decent Action marred by glaring inaccuracies

Rating: Null/10 (7 October 2001)

As a rather formulaic action moving, U-571 is pretty good. You've got well-produced special effects, pretty good acting on everyone's part (there's no really corny performance by anyone, something all too common in the run-of-the-mill action flick), a well done soundtrack, and a set with excellent attention to detail.
However...
What could have been a pretty good film is really hurt by some completely ludicrous plot holes and technical inaccuracies; some only noticable by a knowledgable person, but most obvious to anyone. Go look at the link under goofs to see them all.
I'm not going to pick on the issue of using US vs. British characters. It's an American film, therefore it's only natural that things are portrayed as Americans. It really didn't detract from the film at all (though it may offend historians, this isn't a documentary).
Overall, a good solid 7 or 8 movie pulled down to a 5 by the completely obvious plot mechanics and technical goofs. When doing a period piece, even if it's an action flick, you have to have the details correct. If only they'd had a little more faith in the audience and avoided the cheap theatrics...
-Erik