Critique: Men of Honor is a traditional, inspirational story that is both entertaining and fascinating. It at times is a bit too melodramatic, which I guess is difficult to avoid in adapting uplifting true life stories to film. The directors and screenwriters always get lost in trying to highlight the heroism of the protaganists, when they never need to. Stories like these need no glorifying, the men are so great that nothing should be over accentuated. Still Tillman's direction is confident, and effective. He creates a deep mood that allows us to not only suspend disbelief that this story is in the 50s, and 60s, but believe it is back in the 50s and 60s. The script doesn't try anything deep, but Tillman's never lets the film get shallow. Even at the climax of the film where heart strings are really pulled Tillman keeps the film heavy and resonant. The film is helped immeasurably by Oscar winners Robert De Niro and Cuba Gooding Jr. Their performances are simple awesome. They are naturalistic, but also emotionally believable. It is worth the film alone to watch these two men in their realms, putting out some incredible chemistry.
The supporting cast is also effective, and there is not a bad actor among the crew. Since most of the supporting cast are not as well known as De Niro and Gooding we have to give a lot of credit to Tillman for his abillity with actors. At times the film meanders through some stale dialogue, but it never concedes defeat thanks to the acters who really believe what they are saying. It also helps the film that the story takes place in such a wonderful backdrop of the ocean. It always makes you feel warm inside. The score is solid, and always parrallels the story nicely.
In conclusion, Men of Honor is a nice, honest film that works. It works thanks to some strong direction, and some incredible acting. I recommend it.
review by supernothingman |
