RED TAILS (C+)

Bottom Line: A heroic story that deserved far more coverage than its two-hour, big screen running time would allow – this slice of World War II history would have been a welcome and ideal candidate for an HBO mini-series (think BAND OF BROTHERS; THE PACIFIC). As it stands, RED TAILS soars with outstanding visual thrills when the Tuskegee crew takes flight but is a narratively scattershot, melodramatic hodgepodge of broad brushed-stroked characters, choppy editing and corny dialogue that stalls every time the airmen touch the ground.


Starring: Cuba Gooding Jr., Terrence Howard, Nate Parker, Tristan Wilds, Ne-Yo, David Oyelowo, Daniela Ruah and Lee Tergesen
Directed by: Anthony Hemingway
Rated: PG-13
Running time: 120 minutes
Story: Red Tails begins its story with World War II in full swing. As the war continues to take its toll on Allied Forces in Europe, the Pentagon brass, desperate to protect their dwindling numbers of bombers look to an option previously considered unthinkable. At long last they give The Tuskegee Airmen the chance to prove themselves in battle and forever put to rest the misplaced belief that blacks lacked the courage, discipline and intelligence to be fighter pilots. Against all the odds, with something to prove and everything to lose, these intrepid young airmen take to the skies in awe inspiring displays of bravery and heroism to fight for their country and with it, the fate of the free world. (20th Century Fox)

Trailer: www.redtails2012.com