If you like military history or the kind of fighter action seen in the Star Wars series, then Red Tails is the movie for you. But the dogfights are just half of what this film is about. I was pleasantly surprised with the stories that were told when planes and bullets weren't flying through the air.
Red Tails has a sizable ensemble cast of lead actors, who all do an admirable job with their parts. Several characters share the spotlight, and are given time to deal with their own personal stories and issues. They experience prejudice and adversity, but also romance and friendship. The interaction between the cast was terrific and nuanced. I really believed that this was a group of war buddies, who had their differences but nonetheless cared about each other.
Visually, the movie is excellent. Not just the CGI fighter planes, which won't even come across as CGI (blowing up real historical aircraft would've been out of the question). The scenery of the Italian cities and countryside is beautiful.
If I have one complaint, it's that the ending is a bit abrupt. I would've liked to see a "bigger" final battle, but as I understand it this movie didn't get a mega blockbuster budget. Also, though this movie is a fictional one merely "inspired" by true events, the true events still placed a limit on what the movie's heroes could do. They don't singlehandedly wipe out the Luftwaffe or win the war, and are restricted to escorting American bombers as the real Red Tails did.
But still, go see this movie. It's definitely worth it.
Red Tails has a sizable ensemble cast of lead actors, who all do an admirable job with their parts. Several characters share the spotlight, and are given time to deal with their own personal stories and issues. They experience prejudice and adversity, but also romance and friendship. The interaction between the cast was terrific and nuanced. I really believed that this was a group of war buddies, who had their differences but nonetheless cared about each other.
Visually, the movie is excellent. Not just the CGI fighter planes, which won't even come across as CGI (blowing up real historical aircraft would've been out of the question). The scenery of the Italian cities and countryside is beautiful.
If I have one complaint, it's that the ending is a bit abrupt. I would've liked to see a "bigger" final battle, but as I understand it this movie didn't get a mega blockbuster budget. Also, though this movie is a fictional one merely "inspired" by true events, the true events still placed a limit on what the movie's heroes could do. They don't singlehandedly wipe out the Luftwaffe or win the war, and are restricted to escorting American bombers as the real Red Tails did.
But still, go see this movie. It's definitely worth it.