Red Tails

Someone walks in to a bar. They are met with hostility that their “kind” isn’t welcome there. A team of fighter pilots identified as “red” and a call number. A hotshot pilot, who is the best, knows he’s the best and doesn’t like being told otherwise. Name this movie. Obviously, since this post is under the heading Red Tails, you know the answer. But I imagine other Star Wars aficionados picked up on these parallels too. Produced by George Lucas, Red Tails tells the story of a group of African-American pilots during World War II. As members of the Tuskegee training program, the team overcomes the usual adversity of war, while facing the stigma of post-segregation racism.

This isn’t the first film made about the Tuskegee pilots, but in terms of remakes, this is a story worth being told again. The film is violent at times, as expected, but by no means too much for older children. In terms of the characters, it is always difficult to properly develop a large group like this. The two main parties are “Easy,” played by Nate Parker and “Lightning,” played by David Oyelowo. These two get the time needed for the audience to become attached while the rest of the team lives out in the background. That isn’t to say these supporting players aren’t necessary, but they’re underutilized. In addition, the two Oscar winning actors, Terrence Howard and Cuba Gooding Jr. make extended cameos, even though they are featured prominently in advertising. Both come across as strong characters, so it would have been nice to see them more.

Running long, Red Tails introduces a number of plot points including a new guy on the base and a war of words between military officials in Washington. But there isn’t much effort to develop these moments or resolve them. Since the film is conscious that it is not an epic, and more of a character driven affair, the script needs to cut some scenes. It is very successful however at building tension. The final battle with the Nazis is quite engaging. How did the pilots ever do well without their trusty R2 droids helping out? I had to get in one last Star Wars reference.

Each film earns either zero, a half or a full arrow in five categories. The categories are Acting, Writing/Directing, Emotion, Innovation and Overall Impression. The arrows are added up to equal the full score.