Product: Flyboys [Blu-ray] (2006)
Rating: 5.0
Exceeded High Expectations - An Epic Film
Man, I enjoyed this film! It might be my favorite movie of 2006. Usually when I look forward to a movie, as I was with this one, I can expect too much and then be disappointed. It's rare but sometimes the film is even better than I anticipated....and that's the case here.This is a beautifully-photographed, classy film with interesting characters, excellent action scenes in the air with the World War I bi-planes and tri-planes, and a subtle and sweetly-told romance. In other words, this film had a lot to like. Acting-wise, everyone was good. I wasn't familiar with any of these people except for veteran Frenchman Jean Reno, who played "Captain Thenault", the main instructor and head of the Lafayette Escadrille. He was excellent, as usual, and played a likable character.The aerial-battle scenes might be the best-ever shown on film but with today's ever-improving cameras, techniques, special-effects with computer knowledge, it's no surprise the flying scenes looked so good. (Think what we'll see on screen in 10 years!) The fight scenes are not overdone, either.Most of the movie centers more on the drama and romantic side than that of action. The romance only involves one of the fliers and it's nicely, tastefully done...and very touching. The actress who plays the part, Jennifer Decker ("Lucienne"), is just beautiful and a wholesome-looking lady. You can see why the flier "Blaine Rawlings (James Frano) fell for her right away, even though neither could speak the other's language.Anyway, the main story is all about all the fighters and some of the missions they flew. This is based on fact and that means it's not always a happy ending for everyone. In some respects, World War I might be the most brutal war ever fought.Overall, this a nice, old-fashioned epic-type story told without much profanity so I would it would suitable for most of the family.