Midway (2019)

[Ithoriel]

Just back from seeing the movie and I have to say I enjoyed it.

Rotten Tomatoes gives it 41% from the critics and 92% from the public ... and I can see why.

It's action sequences are stunning, the history is pretty much spot on, it shows both sides of the action and a glimpse into the American home front in Hawaii too, there are some top notch actors acting their socks off.

Downside is it tries to cram so much in that all that acting ability is focussed on trying to breathe at least a little life in to stereotypes spouting "Boys Own" dialogue, all too often.

For me, well worth a watch and best seen in a cinema for the full effect of the spectacle. If you don't know much about Midway and the lead up to it you will leave the cinema better informed and if you can sit back and enjoy blockbuster action you will come away wowed by the action.

If you're looking for an Oscar winner or a history documentary, however, you will leave disappointed.

[Raider4]

Sorry, sounds good, but I've been permanently scarred by Pearl Harbor, and to a lesser extent The Thin Red Line and Windtalkers, so will be giving anything fictional to do with the Pacific war a very wide berth.

[John Cook]

Sorry, sounds good, but I've been permanently scarred by Pearl Harbor, and to a lesser extent The Thin Red Line and Windtalkers, so will be giving anything fictional to do with the Pacific war a very wide berth.

Not to mention the awful Dunkirk, which killed a couple of hours on a flight to Australia but other than that has little to recommend it.

[Ithoriel]

I think Dunkirk is brilliant so you're probably wise to give Midway a wide berth John.

I agree Thin Red Line was awful but Windtalkers was OK, not great but an OK watch, Raider4.

[Raider4]

Oh my, just seen that this is directed by Roland Emmerich. Previous films include "The Patriot", "Godzilla", "2012" and "10000 BC", all of which I hated. His last film was the "Independence Day" sequel, which was just terrible. So won't be going to this one.

[d_Guy]

It's a toss-up between "The Patriot" and "ID2" as my single worst cinematic experience. Thanks for bring the director's credits to my attention.
Still, how bad could he mess up a story that writes itself (likely I'll go find out).

I liked "Thin Red Line" for the music...and Woody Harrelson.

[Ithoriel]

...and Woody Harrelson.

He's good as Chester Nimitz in Midway

[Matt J]

I liked "Thin Red Line" for the music...and Woody Harrelson

I like this film! - Nick Nolte was excellent, I just make a cuppa during the dodgy arty bits.

I'll probably take in Midway when it makes it to Amazon/Netflix, on my phone, in bed while the wife watches Gardeners world (I've just entered middle age and its all a bit surreal)

[Techno]

(I've just entered middle age and its all a bit surreal)

Bl**dy kids. 

Cheers - The Ancient One.

[d_Guy]

I'm near 73 which I optimistically consider early middle age.

[ronan]

(...)
I agree Thin Red Line was awful (...)

I strongly disagree !
May be you were waiting for a "classical" war movie    ?

[steve_holmes_11]

Not to mention the awful Dunkirk, which killed a couple of hours on a flight to Australia but other than that has little to recommend it.

I enjoyed Dunkirk, but much of that was the visuals.
Seeing it in IMAX with broad vistas and big sound was to see it in its element.

[steve_holmes_11]

It's a brave actor who tries to fill Chuck Heston's boots.

[Ithoriel]

For me Thin Red Line is a Vietnam War film in WW2 clothing and therefore it grates.

[pierre the shy]

Have to wait till 30 Jan 2020 to see Midway in NZ....hope its better than the 1977 version....though the most memorable thing about seeing that film was getting a call at 1am to go and pick up one of the guys l went to see it with who had got on the wrong train and ended up in Paraparaumu which is about an hour's drive from where l was living at the time.....l did go and get him....😇