SlumpBuster
10-23-2006, 11:40 AM
So, I saw Flags of Our Fathers this weekend and give it two big thumbs up. Speilberg finally has a Pacific Theater companion piece to Saving Private Ryan that he wisely placed it in the hands of Clint Eastwood, and.... I can't believe I'm saying this... former writer for "Facts of Life" and "Dif'rent Strokes" and the creator of "Walker, Texas Ranger,' Mr. Paul Haggis.
After the disappointing third act of Million Dollar Baby (a movie that was single handedly saved by the infectiously exhuberant performance by Hillary Swank) I was concerned about the Flags of our Fathers being overly schmaltzy and confused in tone. Furthermore, the involvement of Haggis just suggested any number of different narrative train wrecks waiting in the wings. However, I have to admit, Flags of Our Fathers goes a long way towards washing away the sins of Crash and Mr. Merlin (Who else remembers Mr. Merlin? :D).
Flags of Our Fathers looked great, sounded great, and edited beautifully in a non-linear story line that moved freely but smoothy between vast spanses of place and time. I've never heard a real artillery bombardment, but if it sounds anything like it does in this movie, I don't know how any soldier has ever been convinced to charge on dug in cannon. Look for the scenes where the director abruptly shifts POV to first person of pilot of straffing fighter bomber pilot, truely edge of your seat. Also, look for excellant use of well integrated CGI that does not scream "Hey, look what our computer can do!" You'll have to look for it, otherwise you'll miss it (other than the ubiquitous Johnny LaRue helicopter shot that pulls back to reveal the size of the armada steaming towards Iwo Jima).
Also, big ups for star Ryan Phillippe, an actor that is as underated at he is understated. He is always good for quiet, textured, and confident performances.
Finally, Adam Beach is a criminally unknown actor probably best known for his work in Joe Dirt and Windtalker. This guy should be a much, much bigger star and IMO steals every scene he is in Flags of Our Fathers. However, I fear he is on track to becoming a Hall of Fame character actor.
Anyone, else see it and have any critique?
After the disappointing third act of Million Dollar Baby (a movie that was single handedly saved by the infectiously exhuberant performance by Hillary Swank) I was concerned about the Flags of our Fathers being overly schmaltzy and confused in tone. Furthermore, the involvement of Haggis just suggested any number of different narrative train wrecks waiting in the wings. However, I have to admit, Flags of Our Fathers goes a long way towards washing away the sins of Crash and Mr. Merlin (Who else remembers Mr. Merlin? :D).
Flags of Our Fathers looked great, sounded great, and edited beautifully in a non-linear story line that moved freely but smoothy between vast spanses of place and time. I've never heard a real artillery bombardment, but if it sounds anything like it does in this movie, I don't know how any soldier has ever been convinced to charge on dug in cannon. Look for the scenes where the director abruptly shifts POV to first person of pilot of straffing fighter bomber pilot, truely edge of your seat. Also, look for excellant use of well integrated CGI that does not scream "Hey, look what our computer can do!" You'll have to look for it, otherwise you'll miss it (other than the ubiquitous Johnny LaRue helicopter shot that pulls back to reveal the size of the armada steaming towards Iwo Jima).
Also, big ups for star Ryan Phillippe, an actor that is as underated at he is understated. He is always good for quiet, textured, and confident performances.
Finally, Adam Beach is a criminally unknown actor probably best known for his work in Joe Dirt and Windtalker. This guy should be a much, much bigger star and IMO steals every scene he is in Flags of Our Fathers. However, I fear he is on track to becoming a Hall of Fame character actor.
Anyone, else see it and have any critique?