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 great special effects and that's all we really wanted Nov 10, 2009
The Prince of Noirs, being only 9 years old, is in love with the notion of war. It is all so heroic and exciting when you don't fully comprehend the finality of death. However, as I am a doting mother I indulge the Prince but not without a lot of editorial comment ("I bet their mamas are crying for them"..."even German mamas loved their boys"..."I sure hope there's no war when you grow up"...etc etc). This movie, Flyboys, was about perfect for our Saturday Night Viewing needs. The story line was very simple, there was a sweet little tragic love story easily comprehended by a 9 year old, and some walloping good special effects of bi-planes flying and shooting each other. The effects are what one should watch this movie for, as they are able to induce suspended disbelief in even the most jaded viewer. One is left with a sense of respect for the men who did fly these planes back when there were no parachutes. In fact, the Prince evinced renewed interest in his great grandfather who few a biplane in WWI for the British. So it wasn't a waste of time at all. A bit long maybe, and the talky parts drew out a bit but overall it was an enjoyable movie.
1 of 2 found the following review helpful:
 Over the Skies of France! Oct 23, 2009
First I like to address the controversy sustained by various reviewers of this film about accuracy or inaccuracy of historical events.
As usually occurs when Hollywood's products states "based on historical or true facts" viewers should take the statement as "very loosely based on historical or true facts", such is the case here. So do not get annoyed when lots of tri-planes shows up or a zeppelin intends to bomb Paris, those are the usual "historical licenses" of this kind of films.
I regard this movie as an "action film" as for example "Indiana Jones" or "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" and as such is quite good.
"Flyboys" (2006) was directed by multifaceted Tony Bill who is also actor and producer of many films.
The story is based on the ventures of young Americans volunteers to become pilots of Lafayette Escadrille. From all over the States with different motivations they go to France without even knowing a French word.
There they are trained and launched, still green, into the fry suffering losses and evolving step by step into veteran and even aces.
I love the special effects now possible with CGI, crowds of planes may be shown, fighting each other fiercely and giving the word "action" a full new meaning.
Play acting is correct, with only Jean Reno as Capt. Thenault over par, beautiful French actress Jennifer Decker as Lucienne give way to romance.
The runtime, 140 minutes, is a little excessive.
A good movie for a variety of audiences: WWI buffs, action movie's fan, romance fans.
Reviewed by Max Yofre.
4 of 7 found the following review helpful:
 Coming Soon: FLYBOYS! Rated "L" for Ludicrous! May 30, 2009
I've seen some wonderful aviation films in my time. FLYBOYS isn't one of them. Allegedly the story of the Lafayette Escadrille, it's awful for a whole raft of reasons. The MPAA Rating Board should create an "L" rating for movies as bad as this turkey.
After 250+ reviews, there's not much to say about FLYBOYS that hasn't been brought up. Having said that, I spent money on the dumb thing so I guess I have a right to speak. Actually I want to second all the critical brickbats that have been directed at this film. The complaints about the poor script, one-dimensional characters, uneven pacing, flat acting, unbelievable CGI effects, almost total lack of historical accuracy, etc. are all justified. The producers, director and screenwriters really hit the mark with this one!
If you're interested in WWI aviation movies, look for THE BLUE MAX, DAWN PATROL, WINGS, HELL'S ANGELS or even VON RICHTHOFEN AND BROWN. They're not all five-star efforts but they're all far better than FLYBOYS. Not recommended.
1 of 3 found the following review helpful:
 Even better than 'Top Gun' May 13, 2009
'Flyboys' is one of the best films I have ever seen, period. I was a skeptic of the movie at first, there have been so many good war movies made already, what could this one do to top any of them? While watching however, I was pleasantly surprised by not only the acting and storyline, but the soundtrack by Trevor Rabin put this one over the top.
Also, 'Flyboys' is based on the real life adventures of the Escadrille Lafayette, created during the early years of WWI by the French to allow volunteer American pilots to fight even though the U.S. had not entered the war. The fact that every character in this film was real makes it hit home. You really become attached to each of the main characters as they struggle to live and fight honorably in a war with very little purpose behind it.
'Flyboys' is the first 'modern' era film to attempt a portrayal of this particular story, and it does an AMAZING job. The effects, particularly the dogfights, are epic, and as mentioned, Trevor Rabin's soundtrack compliments the movie perfectly. The film summarizes itself succinctly during the opening titles...
"Though the airplane was only recently invented, it was quickly adapted for war. The young men who flew them became the first fighter pilots, and a new kind of hero was born..."
This movie is a must have for any cinema enthusiast or history buff, and spring an extra couple of bucks for the collector's edition, it comes with some neat postcards.
0 of 2 found the following review helpful:
James Franco...amazing, again. May 03, 2009
Why James Franco doesn't get more recognition is beyond me. I compare him to a young Johnny Depp; Good-looking in a non-conventional way, slightly boyish with a little bit of a rebel in him. Again, he does an amazing job in this film. Regardless of how you feel about him, you will definitely end up rooting for his character throughout the whole film.
Not a James Franco fan? This film is still great. Based on true events, the movie truly has you on the edge of your seat the whole time. All of the characters bring something lovable to the movie, and you'll be watching it again and again.
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