Pearl Harbor * * * (three stars)
The sappy love story forgiven, Pearl Harbor excels in offsetting periods of intensity with tranquility, seriousness with humor, and war with love.
Pearl Harbor, is reminiscent of the 1998 box office smash, Armageddon. However, this time around he relies on a bit more realism to dazzle audiences-- the most devastating attack the US has ever experienced.
For the most part, sans the sappy love story, Pearl Harbor is historically accurate--broaching topics unknown to most Americans.
In classic Bruckheimer style, the brevity of the story is tossed aside for the first several scenes as the plot is developed through two buddies Rafe McCawley and Danny Walker(Affleck and Hartnett) and McCawley's affection for a long haired pale skinned girl(Beckinsale). From there the shit hits the fan.
Pearl Harbor not only depicts the historic raid on Hawaii but also neatly incorporates the Japanese perspective, internal US confusion, and the European war effort. Of course it takes three hours to do so.
Bruckheimer's ability to captivate audiences with beautiful wide screen shots over the Pacific increases the grandeur of the film. Though the plot has some very serious faults, audiences will be mesmerized by the special effects, dazzling attack scenes, and fine attention to detail.
Affleck is very convincing as McCawley, putting on his "I'm serious" face on command. In contrast, Josh Hartnett's role as his best friend paints him as a puppy dog rather than a talented pilot. Despite the disparity of acting skills, the interaction between the two meshes with the plot, intertwining boyhood humor with military seriousness.
Highly underutilized is Cuba Gooding Jr., portrayed intermittantly as a boxer/cook/busboy/sudden hero, the viewer can only presume a lot of Cuba ended up on the cutting room floor. For someone as talented as our favorite boy in the hood, he didn't deserve such a small role.
Although the love story is painfully sappy, the love triangle existing between Rafe, Danny, and Evelyn adds another facet to the story. Albeit a facet we could all live without.
Most impressive is the detail and realism of the attack on Pearl Harbor, from the 'edge of your seat' fighter scenes to the sinking of battleships in port. The deliberate scene changes panning between Japanese commanders to President Roosevelt and then to the confusion at Pearl Harbor add to the suspense of the inevitable attack.
In watching any Bruckheimer film, a grain of salt is neccesary. Is Pearl Harbor a timeless classic? No. But does it use a tested formula to attract large crowds and 'wow' audiences? Hell yeah!
Pearl Harbor Directed by: Michael Bay Producer: Jerry Bruckheimer Starring: Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, Kate Beckinsale, Cuba Gooding Jr. and lots of Japanese fighter pilots. Rated: R
