Published on January 20th, 2012 | by simeon

Red Tails

” Star Wars” creator Geogre Lucas has spent over 23 years attempting to bring one of his passion projects to the screen and at long last, it has arrived.

‘Red Tails’ is the story of the Tuskegee Airmen and the legendary 332nd fighter group. The African American Army Air Corps squadron who became one of the most highly decorated and distinguished air squadrons of World War 2.The film stars Terrance Howard, Cuba Gooding Jr (who also stared in the 1995 film THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN), Nate Parker, David Oyelowo, Tristan Wilds, Aml Ameen, Cliff Smith (aka Method Man), and Bryan Cranston (Malcom In The Middle and Breaking Bad).

‘Red Tails’ starts in 1944. World War 2 has raged in Europe for more than 5 years and despite major advances into Europe by the Allies, the war takes it’s toll on American Forces. Considered to be an unorthadox approach at the time and facing cristicism from President Franklin Roosevelt and various elected officials, American generals consider using African American pilots from the Tuskegee Experimental training program. Facing bigotry, doubt, and the possiblity of being shut down and shipped back to the U.S … fate steps in and the pilots are given a chance to prove themselves and show their courage in combat. Leading the way in the landing of American troops in Italy and then serving as bomber escorts in the skies over Germany the ‘Red Tails’ became a pivotal force in Allied bombing raids and combating the German Luftwaffe.

The movie was directed by Anthony Hemingway (credits include Battlestar Galactic, The Wire, and CSI: New York) with George Lucas serving as executive producer.

I went into the theater thinking that this would be a 90 minute to 2 hour war film. Instead, I found a film that blended an good action movie with elements of history, great actors, and a solid script. I didn’t take my eyes off the screen for a minute and the action was great all around. I was just a little disappointed in the computer generated special effects. Considering George Lucas was involved in the movie, I expected more live-action scenes relating to the air-to-air combat visuals. But still, it was a great film.

I’d certainly give it 4 out of 5 and checkout the film for yourself.