amedlin-1
It's so hard to believe this film came out in 1990, the standard of acting, editing, script and special effects is so sub-standard. Remember, 1990 is the same year as Terminator 2: Judgement Day. I found the whole film quite a cliche, more fitting to 1960 than 1990.
Michael Neumann
There's a reason why they don't make war films like this anymore: it's hard these days to sell the idea (Desert Storm aside) of a good and noble war. Which makes this dramatic re-creation of a World War II bombing mission (by the first 8th Air Force B-17 to complete a full tour of duty) an anachronistic throwback to those crowd-pleasing propaganda movies made while the conflict was still being fought. Much effort went into the airborne battle scenes, some of which are undeniably exciting despite the obvious F/X work, but the film collapses whenever there's a break in the action. Monte Merrick's one-dimensional screenplay presents the horror of modern mechanical warfare as a grand adventure fought by reluctant heroes: those magnificent stock characters in their flying machines. And the triumphant, champagne-popping finale has all the emotional credibility of an Air Force recruitment ad. Let's get real: a war film, in this day and age, with a happy ending?
wlb
What prompted me to write this review 20 years after I saw the movie in the theater was listening to an interview withy Catherine Wyler on the ICONS Radio network. I have had the DVD for many years.The Wyler father and daughter came full circle with this movie - made 47 years later from the original Memphis Belle documentary.It was famous because a crew-member in the 8th AAF had a 1 in 3 chance of being killed or seriously wounded before the required 25 sorties were complete. The Memphis Belle was the first plane - and crew - to accomplish this.Catherine stated that her desire in this movie as to detail each of the drew members.I believe that the movie really detailed the life - in 24 hours - of a B17 crew member, with fear and boredom.
thinker1691
World War II has many memories in it's huge archives. But the ones which stand out in an audience's mind are the ones which recall family members who actually experienced them. This movie " Memphis Belle " reaches deep into the human Psyche and rekindles a plethora of war time conflicts. The actors chosen for this masterpiece are incredible as they superbly resurrect the dangerous era of the courageous men and their historic aircraft. Matthew Modine plays Capt. Dennis Dearborn, a stern commander who exhibits a tough veiner, but is inwardly aware and concern with every man in his crew. Tate Donovan is Lt. Sinclair, anxious to experience bravery as a necessary element to achieve fame. However when the war touches him, he realizes, it's not as glorious as he imagined. Eric Stoltz, D.B. Sweeney, Billy Zane, Sean Astin, Harry Connick Jr., Reed Diamond, Courtney Gains and Neil Giuntoli play the crew. Rounding out the cast, adding prestige and enhancing the over-all story are David Strathairn and John Lithgow. Together, this superior ensemble and the dramatic talent of the special effects specialists allowed the 'Belle' to rise center stage and display its last wartime flight. The result is nothing short of extraordinary. Behind the men and their plane is the memory of the thousands of brave airmen who gave their lives for their country. In short, their sacrifice becomes the lasting monument which continues to this day as a lasting tribute to our freedom. A great film which is sure to become a military Classic. Highly recommended! ****
AD
