Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
James Franco | ... | Blaine Rawlings | |
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Scott Hazell | ... | Cinema Usher |
Mac McDonald | ... | Sheriff Detweiller | |
Philip Winchester | ... | William Jensen | |
Todd Boyce | ... | Mr. Jensen | |
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Karen Ford | ... | Mrs. Jensen |
Ruth Bradley | ... | Laura | |
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Abdul Salis | ... | Eugene Skinner |
Jean-Philippe Écoffey | ... | Skinner's trainer | |
Tim Pigott-Smith | ... | Mr. Lowry | |
Tyler Labine | ... | Briggs Lowry | |
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Gail Downey | ... | Mrs. Lowry |
David Ellison | ... | Eddie Beagle | |
Jean Reno | ... | Capt. Thenault | |
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Augustin Legrand | ... | L.T. Giroux |
Before the United States enters World War I, some American youths volunteer for the French military. Subsequently, they become the first U.S. fighter pilots and form a squadron known as the Lafayette Escadrille, whose exploits and heroism become the stuff of legend. This fictional version follows a laconic Texas rancher, an eager Nebraska kid, a Black boxer already in France, and a New York swell, as they arrive green for training, get their baptism by fire when German planes ambush them on their first mission, and graduate to heroics. Rawlings, the Texan, falls in love with a young woman he meets at a brothel. Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>
Do not expect much from the plot as you need not scratch the surface too deeply to experience de'ja vu. (I've seen these plot elements before in just about every war/buddy/love story flick I have ever seen).
The acting is decent and the special effects are superb. Do not see this movie with high expectations regarding the plot and you will not be disappointed.
The effects wizards took a page from Howard Hughes as there are plenty of clouds in the air combat scenes to lend a feeling of depth and speed. The dog fights are pretty exciting and worth the price of admission to see on the big screen.