Red Tails Review

Red Tails
Directed by Anthony Hemingway
Written by John Ridley and Aaron McGruder

Starring
Terrence Howard... Colonel A.J. Bullard
Cuba Gooding Jr. ... Major Emanuelle Stance
David Oyelowo... Joe 'Lightning' Little
Nate Parker... Marty 'Easy' Julian
Tristan Wilds... Ray 'Junior' Gannon
Andre Royo... Antwan 'Coffee' Coleman

Story
In 1944 the Tuskegee Airmen, an all black fighter pilot group, are asked to provide cover for bombing runs into Germany. This is their first real combat after performing mop up duty miles away from the front lines in World War II. If they do not succeed their unit will be shut down and disbanded.

The story is very simple and definitely not the most appealing part of the movie. Based on user reviews on other websites it seems if you go in expecting a moving piece of historical drama you will be disappointed. But if you go in expecting a fun popcorn flick with lots of action, you will be more than satisfied. It may have been easier and more profitable to use a different storyline to showcase WWII aerial fighting, but I don't think they pay any disservice to the Tuskegee Airmen in this movie.

Acting
This is a very talented cast, but there is no standout performances. It seems like George Lucas had a very specific vision for this movie and it didn't include any variance from it. He wanted a 50's war movie with updated special effects, and that's what he got. Watch any old war movie and you will see similar characters and storylines. Most of the characters have one memorable trait that sets them apart and that is their entire character. Although most of the roles are one dimensional they are fun and lighthearted.

Review
Like I said before, if you go in with certain expectations that will be what you get. If you go in wanting to like it, there are things to like, and vice versa. Some people hated the prequels so much, and rightfully so, that they'll never let Lucas live it down. I enjoyed the prequels, but I admit that I am a Star Wars junkie. However, in every review people agree that the aerial dog fights are amazing and are the best part of the movie. So, if you think you'll hate, don't go, but if you like some fun action it's worth seeing.

*** out of 5

May the Force be with you,
CHUD