Review: "Red Tails"

Film And DVD Reviews by Phil Boatwright

Nate Parker, David Oyelowo, Terrence Howard, Brandon T. Jackson, Ne-Yo. 20th Century Fox. WWII action/drama. Written by John Ridley, Aaron McGruder Directed by Anthony Hemingway. 1/20/12

FILM SYNOPSIS: As the war in Europe continues to take its toll on Allied forces in 1944, the Pentagon brass has no recourse but to consider unorthodox options -- including the untried and untested African-American pilots of the experimental Tuskegee training program. Just as the young Tuskegee men are on the brink of being shut down and shipped back home, they are given the ultimate chance to show their courage. Against all the odds, with something to prove and everything to lose, these young airmen take to the skies to fight for their country -- and the fate of the free world. 


REVIEW: Based in part on research material from the book, "Red Tails Black Wings" by John Holway, I’m not sure how closely the film follows actual incidents. You know how movie biographies can be – they tend to embellish or leave out facts depending on the filmmaker’s agenda. Because the studio screened this film the night before it opened, I was unable to do much research before my review was due (Could that be the reason why the studio waited until the night before the movie opened?). So, all I can do is give my impression of the production. It’s up to you to do the actual fact-finding.

The opening scene is a dogfight where American forces are beaten badly and in need of support. The scene is badly staged, with clumsy dialogue and performances. That worried me. I thought for sure we were in for a movie with nothing going for it but an agenda. Well, there is an agenda - to show how Blacks were mistreated and dismissed as inferior and undependable. But quickly, the film becomes more than a history lesson. We get involved with the characters, and begin to understand their plight.

Out of desperation, the men of Tuskegee are called upon and they prove their ability as pilots and men. Once this is understood, many White military begin to see through their own bigoted blindness. So there is a lesson here: once we get to know people, we begin to understand that there is no inferior race. In the Bible, it says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son.” Well, if God loves everybody, then they are all special in his sight. I’m thinking that indicates there are no inferior people. But along with that truism, it still takes getting to know one another to begin to appreciate our similarities, as well as our differences. The film points that out.

It can be a touch preachy, but the sermons are saved by a genuine and charismatic cast. Each has their moment to shine, and like the warriors they portray, we feel the actors share camaraderie.

Over the years, I’ve seen quite a few war films that indicated the bravery, compassion and the uniqueness of the American soldier. Sadly, there are few films that spotlight this quality in men of color. There are some, just not that many. Red Tails does. It’s a positive film that after spotlighting bad behavior ultimately unites us all as Americans.

PG-13 (there are many minor expletives – damns and hells – and a few uses of the s-word, but the film generally avoids crudity or excessive obscenity; I caught two uses of the expression “God d---,” one by Terrance Howard, which I hated hearing because I’ve been a fan of his for years; and Christ’s name is misused two or three times, but there is also a reverence for God in the film; wartime battles, and men are killed, but the action stays within the PG-13 range, avoiding graphicness; some blood, but again, the filmmaker keeps the content within the PG-13 range; one sex scene is implied, but nothing is seen and the couple later decide to get married; some drinking; the leader of the group has a problem with alcohol, going so far as to drink before missions, but he beats the problem; prayers are spoken and men of faith are not ridiculed). Running Time: Under two hours Intended Audience: Teens on up

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DEFINITIONS

Profanity – God’s name followed by a curse or the abusive use of Christ’s name

Obscenity – a swear word, indecent language

Expletive – minor curse words such as damn or hell

Crudity – vulgar, often coarse situations or dialogue dealing with bodily functions

Adult Subject Matter – situations or subjects unsuitable for or difficult to comprehend by children