Director Roland Emmerich’s (Independence Day) film depicts the 1942 attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese, followed by the air/sea battle of Midway.
A notable cast makes up the real life heroes. Dennis Quaid is Admiral William “Bull” Halsey, Aaron Eckhart is Jimmy Doolittle, who led a subsequent raid on Tokyo.
Woody Harrelson is Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Ed Skrein is dare devil bomber pilot Dick Best. He’s so risky, no one wants to fly with him.
Patrick Wilson plays U.S. Intelligence Officer Edwin Layton, who had the huge responsibility of persuading Nimitz that the Japanese were going to attack Midway.
The CGI battle scenes are really exciting. They show the large picture from the pilot’s point of view. Dangerous maneuvers to avoid incoming fire and near misses as he dives toward the Japanese aircraft carriers, taking sharp evasive action with seconds to spare.
A couple of the veteran actors weren’t at their best. Quaid scrunches up his face at odd times and Harrelson seems to be trying to hold back a smile.
Both the Americans and Japanese are portrayed respectfully. It’s a good, entertaining film and it’s a great way to remember the brave actions of our men.