Got home from the war on Christmas Eve, went and watched both of these movies on Christmas Day.
The Aviator: Actually an enjoyable movie. The flying scenes were nice, even the computer generated stuff looked more authentic than usual. I had hoped that the film would concentrate more on the flying aspect of Howard’s life, but I guess that part wasn’t dramatic enough! The ending of the movie was a bit sudden, almost like a sequal is in the works. Leonardo DiCaprio did a pretty good Howard Hughes. Cate Blanchett made her character, Katherin Hepburn, just as irritating on screen as she was in real life. Kate Beckinsale and Gwen Stefani as Ava Gardner and Jean Harlow were very good, not to mention beautiful as always.
Recomendation:I’d say go see it if you get a chance.
Flight of the Phoenix: All I can say is I’m glad Jimmy Stewart isn’t around to see what they’ve done to his movie! I guess that if you have never seen the original movie, then this one might be entertaining. If you were a fan of the first movie, then don’t wast you time. The C-119 flying scenes in the first ten minutes or so are the movies only redeeming qualities.
Recommendation: Avoid it like your own death!
By: Hatton - 27th December 2004 at 22:00
I’m going to give “The Aviator” a B, which would have been a B+ if it hadn’t been a 3 hour movie. I agree with everything that Brad said in his original post, although I don’t think there will be a sequal. The flying scenes with “Hell’s Angels”, the XF-11 (or whatever it was) and the Spruce Goose are VERY good, and well worth the price of a ticket. Cate Blanchett steals the show with her Katherine Hepburn, but this is a strong cast with great performances from Alan Alda and Alec Baldwin. Also, there’s enough eye candy to keep you occupied for the three plus hours of this Scorcese epic (Hey, Howard liked pretty girls). Go see it, you’ll be glad you did.
Steve, interesting that you would put its 3 hour length down as a bad point. i’ve often found that the longer a biopic, the better. Gives the actor more time to slowly develop the character. Anyhow, how much coverage does the Goose get?
best regards, steve
By: srpatterson - 27th December 2004 at 15:39
I’m going to give “The Aviator” a B, which would have been a B+ if it hadn’t been a 3 hour movie. I agree with everything that Brad said in his original post, although I don’t think there will be a sequal. The flying scenes with “Hell’s Angels”, the XF-11 (or whatever it was) and the Spruce Goose are VERY good, and well worth the price of a ticket. Cate Blanchett steals the show with her Katherine Hepburn, but this is a strong cast with great performances from Alan Alda and Alec Baldwin. Also, there’s enough eye candy to keep you occupied for the three plus hours of this Scorcese epic (Hey, Howard liked pretty girls). Go see it, you’ll be glad you did.
By: C170BDan - 27th December 2004 at 14:11
Reviews
Hey Brad,
Welcome back to the US of A! (funny… this is a forum based in across the pond and I am welcoming you home!) Thanks for the reviews… I’ll skip Phoenix and wait for the DVD on a boring, rainy day. Hope to see Aviator soon… Hollywood will be Hollywood so I dont have my expectations set too high. Looks like Howard/Leonardo used some good hair grease while flying the racer!
Blue Skies,
Dan
Sign In
December 26, 2004 at 7:56 pm