VideoDetective.com
Flyboys (2006)
Released By: MGM Pictures, Inc.   Rating: PG-13   In Theaters: 9/22/2006
Your video will start shortly...



More Videos:
Preview Details
User Reviews
Studio: MGM Pictures, Inc.
Genre: Action-Adventure
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: Tony Bill
Language: English
Official Website: http://www.flyboysthemovie.com/
Theatrical Release: 9/22/2006
Home Video Release: 1/30/2007
Cast: Jean Reno, James Franco, Martin Henderson, Jennifer Decker, Tyler Labine, David Ellison
Published ID: 855003
UPC: 027616065292, 027616062123, 027616062246, 027616065346,
Plot: As World War I rages in Europe and Allied forces in France, Italy, and England find their resolve quickly diminishing due to the overwhelming force of the German juggernaut, a handful of brave American soldiers volunteer to join their French counterparts in learning to fly and fighting for freedom from above as the true story of the legendary Lafayette Escadrille comes to the screen in a breathtaking war adventure from Academy Award-winning director Tony Bill and famed producer Dean Devlin. They have come from all over the United States, ready and willing to put their lives on the line despite their country's initial pledge to not get involved with the all-consuming war that rages throughout Europe. Few could have foreseen the challenges faced by the world's first fighter pilots, however, and upon arriving at their aerodrome in France, the aspiring aviators are assigned to a new squadron under the command of war-ravaged Captain Thenault (Jean Reno) and battle-weary American pilot Reed Cassidy -- the sole survivor of his devastated former air brigade. With little encouragement from their fellow aviators and nothing to drive but their unifying goal of taking to the skies and offering up their lives in the name of freedom, the determined airmen of the Lafayette Escadrille set out to make history by embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. James Franco, Martin Henderson, and David Ellison star in a script penned by Phil Sears, Blake T. Evans, and David S. Ward. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
IDDateTimeTitleReviewHelpfulVotesTotalVotes
great special effects and that's all we really wanted
Added 11/10/2009

The Prince of Noirs, being only 9 years old, is in love with the notion of war. It is all so heroic and exciting when you don't fully comprehend the finality of death. However, as I am a doting mother I indulge the Prince but not without a lot of editorial comment ("I bet their mamas are crying for them"..."even German mamas loved their boys"..."I sure hope there's no war when you grow up"...etc etc). This movie, Flyboys, was about perfect for our Saturday Night Viewing needs. The story line was very simple, there was a sweet little tragic love story easily comprehended by a 9 year old, and some walloping good special effects of bi-planes flying and shooting each other. The effects are what one should watch this movie for, as they are able to induce suspended disbelief in even the most jaded viewer. One is left with a sense of respect for the men who did fly these planes back when there were no parachutes. In fact, the Prince evinced renewed interest in his great grandfather who few a biplane in WWI for the British. So it wasn't a waste of time at all. A bit long maybe, and the talky parts drew out a bit but overall it was an enjoyable movie.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Over the Skies of France!
Added 10/23/2009

First I like to address the controversy sustained by various reviewers of this film about accuracy or inaccuracy of historical events.
As usually occurs when Hollywood's products states "based on historical or true facts" viewers should take the statement as "very loosely based on historical or true facts", such is the case here. So do not get annoyed when lots of tri-planes shows up or a zeppelin intends to bomb Paris, those are the usual "historical licenses" of this kind of films.
I regard this movie as an "action film" as for example "Indiana Jones" or "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" and as such is quite good.

"Flyboys" (2006) was directed by multifaceted Tony Bill who is also actor and producer of many films.

The story is based on the ventures of young Americans volunteers to become pilots of Lafayette Escadrille. From all over the States with different motivations they go to France without even knowing a French word.
There they are trained and launched, still green, into the fry suffering losses and evolving step by step into veteran and even aces.

I love the special effects now possible with CGI, crowds of planes may be shown, fighting each other fiercely and giving the word "action" a full new meaning.

Play acting is correct, with only Jean Reno as Capt. Thenault over par, beautiful French actress Jennifer Decker as Lucienne give way to romance.
The runtime, 140 minutes, is a little excessive.

A good movie for a variety of audiences: WWI buffs, action movie's fan, romance fans.
Reviewed by Max Yofre.


1 out of 2 people found this helpful.
Coming Soon: FLYBOYS! Rated "L" for Ludicrous!
Added 5/30/2009

I've seen some wonderful aviation films in my time. FLYBOYS isn't one of them. Allegedly the story of the Lafayette Escadrille, it's awful for a whole raft of reasons. The MPAA Rating Board should create an "L" rating for movies as bad as this turkey.

After 250+ reviews, there's not much to say about FLYBOYS that hasn't been brought up. Having said that, I spent money on the dumb thing so I guess I have a right to speak. Actually I want to second all the critical brickbats that have been directed at this film. The complaints about the poor script, one-dimensional characters, uneven pacing, flat acting, unbelievable CGI effects, almost total lack of historical accuracy, etc. are all justified. The producers, director and screenwriters really hit the mark with this one!

If you're interested in WWI aviation movies, look for THE BLUE MAX, DAWN PATROL, WINGS, HELL'S ANGELS or even VON RICHTHOFEN AND BROWN. They're not all five-star efforts but they're all far better than FLYBOYS. Not recommended.

4 out of 7 people found this helpful.
Even better than 'Top Gun'
Added 5/13/2009

'Flyboys' is one of the best films I have ever seen, period. I was a skeptic of the movie at first, there have been so many good war movies made already, what could this one do to top any of them? While watching however, I was pleasantly surprised by not only the acting and storyline, but the soundtrack by Trevor Rabin put this one over the top.

Also, 'Flyboys' is based on the real life adventures of the Escadrille Lafayette, created during the early years of WWI by the French to allow volunteer American pilots to fight even though the U.S. had not entered the war. The fact that every character in this film was real makes it hit home. You really become attached to each of the main characters as they struggle to live and fight honorably in a war with very little purpose behind it.

'Flyboys' is the first 'modern' era film to attempt a portrayal of this particular story, and it does an AMAZING job. The effects, particularly the dogfights, are epic, and as mentioned, Trevor Rabin's soundtrack compliments the movie perfectly. The film summarizes itself succinctly during the opening titles...

"Though the airplane was only recently invented, it was quickly adapted for war. The young men who flew them became the first fighter pilots, and a new kind of hero was born..."

This movie is a must have for any cinema enthusiast or history buff, and spring an extra couple of bucks for the collector's edition, it comes with some neat postcards.

1 out of 3 people found this helpful.
James Franco...amazing, again.
Added 5/3/2009

Why James Franco doesn't get more recognition is beyond me. I compare him to a young Johnny Depp; Good-looking in a non-conventional way, slightly boyish with a little bit of a rebel in him. Again, he does an amazing job in this film. Regardless of how you feel about him, you will definitely end up rooting for his character throughout the whole film.
Not a James Franco fan? This film is still great. Based on true events, the movie truly has you on the edge of your seat the whole time. All of the characters bring something lovable to the movie, and you'll be watching it again and again.

0 out of 2 people found this helpful.
great special effects and that's all we really wanted
Added 11/10/2009

The Prince of Noirs, being only 9 years old, is in love with the notion of war. It is all so heroic and exciting when you don't fully comprehend the finality of death. However, as I am a doting mother I indulge the Prince but not without a lot of editorial comment ("I bet their mamas are crying for them"..."even German mamas loved their boys"..."I sure hope there's no war when you grow up"...etc etc). This movie, Flyboys, was about perfect for our Saturday Night Viewing needs. The story line was very simple, there was a sweet little tragic love story easily comprehended by a 9 year old, and some walloping good special effects of bi-planes flying and shooting each other. The effects are what one should watch this movie for, as they are able to induce suspended disbelief in even the most jaded viewer. One is left with a sense of respect for the men who did fly these planes back when there were no parachutes. In fact, the Prince evinced renewed interest in his great grandfather who few a biplane in WWI for the British. So it wasn't a waste of time at all. A bit long maybe, and the talky parts drew out a bit but overall it was an enjoyable movie.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Over the Skies of France!
Added 10/23/2009

First I like to address the controversy sustained by various reviewers of this film about accuracy or inaccuracy of historical events.
As usually occurs when Hollywood's products states "based on historical or true facts" viewers should take the statement as "very loosely based on historical or true facts", such is the case here. So do not get annoyed when lots of tri-planes shows up or a zeppelin intends to bomb Paris, those are the usual "historical licenses" of this kind of films.
I regard this movie as an "action film" as for example "Indiana Jones" or "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" and as such is quite good.

"Flyboys" (2006) was directed by multifaceted Tony Bill who is also actor and producer of many films.

The story is based on the ventures of young Americans volunteers to become pilots of Lafayette Escadrille. From all over the States with different motivations they go to France without even knowing a French word.
There they are trained and launched, still green, into the fry suffering losses and evolving step by step into veteran and even aces.

I love the special effects now possible with CGI, crowds of planes may be shown, fighting each other fiercely and giving the word "action" a full new meaning.

Play acting is correct, with only Jean Reno as Capt. Thenault over par, beautiful French actress Jennifer Decker as Lucienne give way to romance.
The runtime, 140 minutes, is a little excessive.

A good movie for a variety of audiences: WWI buffs, action movie's fan, romance fans.
Reviewed by Max Yofre.


1 out of 2 people found this helpful.
Coming Soon: FLYBOYS! Rated "L" for Ludicrous!
Added 5/30/2009

I've seen some wonderful aviation films in my time. FLYBOYS isn't one of them. Allegedly the story of the Lafayette Escadrille, it's awful for a whole raft of reasons. The MPAA Rating Board should create an "L" rating for movies as bad as this turkey.

After 250+ reviews, there's not much to say about FLYBOYS that hasn't been brought up. Having said that, I spent money on the dumb thing so I guess I have a right to speak. Actually I want to second all the critical brickbats that have been directed at this film. The complaints about the poor script, one-dimensional characters, uneven pacing, flat acting, unbelievable CGI effects, almost total lack of historical accuracy, etc. are all justified. The producers, director and screenwriters really hit the mark with this one!

If you're interested in WWI aviation movies, look for THE BLUE MAX, DAWN PATROL, WINGS, HELL'S ANGELS or even VON RICHTHOFEN AND BROWN. They're not all five-star efforts but they're all far better than FLYBOYS. Not recommended.

4 out of 7 people found this helpful.
Photos


There are currently no photos.
Shopping
IDPriceImageUrlPurchaseUrlIdTypeBindingStore
Blu-ray
$9.99 @ Amazon
DVD
$13.49 @ Amazon
DVD
$10.99 @ Amazon
DVD
$17.99 @ Amazon