Tom Cruise leads an underground rebellion against Adolf Hitler in the action-thriller VALKYRIE.Cruise is Nazi Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, a man who swore his allegiance to Dictator Adolf Hitler, but believes his true allegiance lies to Germany. After deciding country over comrade, Stauffenberg joins a group attempting to assassinate Hitler and topple the current regime. The group is composed of field generals, politicians and other highly influential members of German society. Stauffenberg leads the ground forces in the movement, with the colonel carrying the bomb destined towards Hitler.
The major mistake of VALKYRIE is director Bryan Singer’s, and the powers that be, decision to turn this historical account into a thriller. Since history spoils the film’s outcome, much of the suspense and thrills of the film are spoiled as well.
If the outcome leaves little suspense, the mechanics of the operation and Singer’s execution, almost make up for it. Outside of Singer’s insistence on an almost entire English speaking cast, limiting the authenticity of the Nazi officers, the story behind VALKYRIE still delivers several interesting angles. The general conceit of an uprising is intriguing, but even more so, considering the obstacles that Stauffenberg and crew face in their attempted uprising.
Most films set around defining historical moments tackle the subject matter through drama. VALKYRIE waxes over this aspect, presenting a small glimpse into Stauffenberg’s family life, but little more. Cruise is in historical Ethan Hunt mode, serving as a driving force and action hero, but not a dramatic heavyweight.
VALKYRIE’s aim to thrill fails, but the excitement of watching the intricacies of an underground revolution almost compensate for the foregone conclusion. I can’t quite recommend the Singer-Cruise collaboration.
Grade: C+
If the outcome leaves little suspense, the mechanics of the operation and Singer’s execution, almost make up for it. Outside of Singer’s insistence on an almost entire English speaking cast, limiting the authenticity of the Nazi officers, the story behind VALKYRIE still delivers several interesting angles. The general conceit of an uprising is intriguing, but even more so, considering the obstacles that Stauffenberg and crew face in their attempted uprising.
Most films set around defining historical moments tackle the subject matter through drama. VALKYRIE waxes over this aspect, presenting a small glimpse into Stauffenberg’s family life, but little more. Cruise is in historical Ethan Hunt mode, serving as a driving force and action hero, but not a dramatic heavyweight.
VALKYRIE’s aim to thrill fails, but the excitement of watching the intricacies of an underground revolution almost compensate for the foregone conclusion. I can’t quite recommend the Singer-Cruise collaboration.
Grade: C+
No comments:
Post a Comment