Before the US entered WW1, a handful of American hotheads joined the Lafayette Escadrille, a legendary Allied air squadron in France. This rousing, overlong, wholly predictable film recounts their contribution to the war effort. Led by a recalcitrant Texan (James “James Dean” Franco), the recruits quickly learn the flyboy code of honor, taking their cues from a battle-hardened ace (Martin Henderson) who tempers the likely prospect of death with bourbon and whores. Director Tony Bill re-creates the period but not necessarily the conflict: a lack of urgency and a far-fetched love story make the war seem mysteriously absent. Only the breathtaking aerial battles keep the campaign on track, putting you in the cockpit as the feisty planes swerve in every conceivable direction. But who wants to wait more than two hours for the climactic encounter between our hero and the Red Baron–like baddie?
On the Web:
Flyboys' official Web site:http://www.flyboysthemovie.com/
