“font-family: Verdana;”>Weeks before its release, a public appeal was directed at the black community to support the film
Red Tails
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“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Executive Producer George Lucas (of Star Wars and Indiana Jones fame) says that the Tuskegee Airmen’s invaluable role in World War II is a story that he’s been trying to tell for more than two decades, with no support from mainstream Hollywood.
“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;”>So he did it without them.
“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;”>The film was referred to as “his $100 million gamble” in a preview on Oprah’s Next Chapter, where the producer, director and screenwriter will discuss the project.
“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Lucas says Red Tails will be the final big-budget film of his 40-plus year career. And based on the buzz of a positive black film in an age when Madea rules the black box office, he will go out with a bang.
“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Lucas worked with black co-producers, screenwriters and a black director on the story of the 332nd Fighter group – a squadron of Tuskegee Airmen that lang=”EN” xml:lang=”EN”>escorted 15 Air Force strategic bombing raids into Czechoslovakia, Austria, Hungary, Poland and Germany.
“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;” lang=”EN” xml:lang= “EN”>Flying escort for heavy bombers, the 332d earned an impressive combat record. The Allies called these airmen “Red Tails” or “Red-Tail Angels,” because of the distinctive crimson paint predominately applied on the tail section of the unit’s aircraft. They were led by Benjamin O. Davis Jr., the first African American to rise to the rank of General in the U.S. Air Force.
“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;”>But how does Red Tails measure up as a film?
“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;” lang=”EN” xml:lang= “EN”>Sadly, aside from the breath-taking special effects, the film doesn’t do justice to the Tuskegee Airmen’s thrilling history that has enamored and inspired a community for more than 70 years.
“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;” lang=”EN” xml:lang=”EN”>the film is more inspired by history than an actual historical drama of the 332nd. More effectively implemented research, character depth and concise, impactful writing would have created a deeper connection and left a more lasting impression on viewers.
“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;” lang=”EN” xml:lang= “EN”>Instead of rich insight into the experiences of the men who helped change the face of the American military, screenwriters John Ridley and Aaron McGruder present a series of predictable plot twists and stale dialogues, lacking the crisp and compelling exchanges customarily seen in high-profile war films.
“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;” lang=”EN” xml:lang=”EN”>The labored scenes between missions are all but exhausting, made worse by a sappy and implausible love story that develops as a romantic undercurrent.
“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;” lang=”EN” xml:lang= “EN”>Aside from Terrence Howard and Cuba Gooding Jr., first-time feature film director Anthony Hemmingway was charged with the task of engaging an audience through a relatively unknown ensemble cast.
“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;” lang=”EN” xml:lang=”EN”>The saving grace of Red Tails belongs to talented cast of generation-next actors who prove worthy of the opportunity – much like Gooding Jr. did for himself during the HBO mini-series Tuskegee Airmen nearly 20 years before.
“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;” lang=”EN” xml:lang=”EN”>The shining star of the cast is David Oyelowom, a British actor making the most of what will most certainly be his breakthrough role as Lt. Joe “Lightning” Little.
“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;” lang=”EN” xml:lang= “EN”>While he is far from a household name, Nate Parker rose to the occasion of bearing the brunt of the film with his performance as Capt. Marty “Easy” Julian.
“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;” lang=”EN” xml:lang= “EN”>Rapper Method Man and singer Ne-Yo were given plenty of face time in Red Tails, though Ne-Yo’s tragically delivered, buffoonish Southern drawl was a lowlight.
“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;” lang=”EN” xml:lang= “EN”>Another misstep was the casting of Gooding and Howard. Their performances were satisfactory, but audiences will wonder why the roles weren’t flipped. Gooding – who is more seasoned – seemed an obvious choice for Col. A.J. Bullard, and the fresher-faced Howard would have been a better fit for the Maj. “font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Emmanuelle
xml:lang=”EN”>Stance character.
“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;” lang=”EN” xml:lang=”EN”>As a film, Red Tails is far from a captivating historical or dramatic presentation of the 332nd Air Fighter Group. But the back story transcends the film’s flaws and sends a message. If we support our stories, others will follow suit. And as positive black roles and films become the rule instead of the sensational exception, the perfection in the packaging and presentation of these perspectives will follow.
“font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;” lang= “EN” xml:lang=”EN”>Red Tails opens in theatres nationwide on Friday, January 20. The film is rated PG-13 with a running time of 125 minutes.
