Product: Flyboys [Blu-ray] (2006)
Rating: 3.0
Memphis Belle Set In WWI
Fly Boys is one of the few films ever made that acknowledges the heroism of WWI fighter pilots. The film's action aerial shots are amazing. The authenticity of the WWI planes, gunfire, and interplay between pilots is beautifully captured. Howard Hughes would have been impressed. Unfortunately the lead, James Franco gives a wooden performance as the squadron leader. The supporting cast of pilots all give credible performances, but the film doesn't gain acclaimed status because of the acting. I never felt emotionally connected to the lead characters and the romantic storyline did nothing to enhance the drama the director so desperately wanted to achieve. The most immprobable scene involves Franco's rescue of his French girlfriend. While a dozen or so German troops invade the girl's home, she slips away and hides nearby; that is believable. What is preposterous is when Franco flies his plane to a nearby field without any of the German soldiers seeing or hearing it. Of course Franco and the French girl escape under a hail of German gunfire. The characterizations of the other pilots are well crafted. The Black pilot who at first is not readily welcomed, the rich, cultured pilot who is seeking his father's approval, the religious pilot who accepts his duty, the unemotional ace, the suspected "spy", and the small town hero who doubts his courage all contribute to the on screen cammaraderie. Band of Brothers, they are not, but director Tony Bill is no Steven Spielberg.