One has to wonder if there REALLY was a need to remake 1976’s star-studded war epic MIDWAY?
Probably not, especially when you consider that the original’s ensemble of A-list talent included the likes of Charlton Heston, Henry Fonda, Glenn Ford, Robert Mitchum and James Coburn…just to name a few.
Historically speaking, this new version gives us allegedly the true backbone of both the United States and Japanese strategies and the epic battle that ensued.
The battle of MIDWAY was the turning point in the Pacific theater of World War II, as U.S. Navy forces struck a decisive blow, which in turn delivered a devastating punch to the Japanese empire.
And it’s all here on the big screen!
Despite what some critics will snub their noses at, the CGI created air battles are in most instances impressive.
Is there a certain amount of side-story drama to the film? Of course there is. But director Roland (“Independence Day”) Emmerich has wisely kept the schmaltz in check.
What stands out to me – in the negative though – is the film’s dialogue. Pretty sub-par at times and sounding more like the soundtrack of a made-for-TV movie.
Another aspect that I question in the visual continuity of the movie are its front-loaded aviation battle sequences at Pearl Harbor.
Why you ask?
Because by the time we get to the main fight at Midway…we’ve already SEEN SO MUCH!
It kinda takes away from the picture’s ultimate climax. But maybe I’m being too picky…
As for the cast and their acting chops, think good but not great.
They include Ed Skrein, Patrick Wilson, Luke Evans, Aaron Eckhart, Nick Jonas, Mandy Moore, Dennis Quaid and Woody Harrelson as Admiral Chester Nimitz.
All of that said, I was pleasantly surprised by “MIDWAY” and give it a B-
My dad was present, at Pearl, on December 7th 1941. He went on to fight at Coral Sea, Midway, Savo Islands and Leyte Gulf. Chief Water Tender, USS New Orleans.
He lived long enough to see the original “Midway” and he loved it.
What struck me about this movie (I havn’t seen it yet.), so far, is the trailer on TV, that states, at the end, that the movie is “Based On Real Events”.
Americans, educated for the last three generations in Public Schools, dumbed down to make sure “Everyone gets a trophy (Read – Diploma)”, have no idea of what the history is of this once great nation.
Like everyone else, I see so many Cable News Shows, where everyday Americans are stopped on the streets and queried with questions that 25 years ago, 2nd graders could answer. If you run it back, and replay it with the sound off, you would think, by their expressions, they had been asked to explain the intricacies of Cold Fusion, when, the question was something like, who was the President during WWII?
Then everyone laughs.
I’m checking the 7 pm show tomorrow at Ward Parkway fyi
Look at this…, Jesus…
https://www.militarytimes.com/off-duty/military-culture/2019/11/09/everything-about-blockbuster-midway-sinks-faster-than-japanese-carriers-at-midway/