Product: Flyboys [Blu-ray] (2006)
Rating: 5.0
The Story of America's First Fighter Pilots
James Franco stars in this exciting movie based on the true story of the Lafayette Escadrille, a group of American pilots flying for the French in the early days of World war I.Franco portrays Blaine Rawlings, a young rancher from Texas who's family ranch has just been repossessed. While watching a movie at the local moviehouse, he sees a newsreel about pilots fighting in Europe. He decides to enlist with the French Lafayette Escadrille and battle the Germans. Soon, Rawlings and fellow pilots William Jensen (Philip Winchester), Lyle Porter (Michael Jibson), Eddie Beagle (David Ellison), Eugene Skinner (Abdul Salis), and Briggs Lowry (Tyler Labine) are on their way to France. All have come from different backgrounds and circumstances, but they all share one common goal; to fight and defeat the Germans.Upon arriving in France, they are met by Capt. Thenault (Jean Reno). It's Thenault's job to train the American pilots proper tactics in order to battle the Germans. There are already some American pilots in France. One is Reed Cassidy (Martin Henderson). He has become one of the best pilots in the Lafayette Escadrille, already having shot down over twenty German aircraft. The lead pilot for the Germans is the menacing Black Falcon (Gunnar Winbergh) and his group of skilled pilots. All of the Germans fly the famed Fokker triplane, painted blood-red. All except the Falcon's, who's is jet black.After completing their training, the Americans are finally ready to take to the skies and do battle with the Germans. During the course of the movie, there are several thrilling aerial combat sequences between the Americans and Germans, especially the sequence where the Germans send a zeppelin to bomb Paris. Relationships develop among the pilots as well. Rawlings becomes the de facto leader of the group, and many of the other pilots look to him for support and advice. Rawlings has also developed a relationship with a local French girl named Lucienne (Jennifer Decker). She bandaged Rawlings' leg after a flying accident, and he became attracted to her. However, she can't speak English and he can't speak French. But the language barrier can't hide the feelings between the two.The missions become more and more dangerous for the Americans, and soon, some of the pilots are lost in combat. But the Americans keep going up to fight it out with the Germans despite their lack of experience. Their will to fight and courage is unquestioned as these heroic men continue to do battle with the enemy.This is an outstanding movie. The story of the famed Lafayette Escadrille is told with complete historical accuracy. The acting, especially by James Franco and Jean Reno, is excellent. The plot is well-conceived, and the amazing aerial combat sequences are the highlight of the film. The romance between Rawlings and Lucienne his handled wonderfully. It does not become so out of control as to take over the movie. Rather, it is allowed to grow at a slower pace that holds the viewer's interest.I give this great movie my highest recommendation. History fans will enjoy it for its great combat sequences and attention to detail. Laypersons will enjoy the romance between Rawlings and Lucienne. Watch "Flyboys" and see how a group of inexperienced American pilots became one of the most feared squadrons of World War I.