Rescue Dawn

Starring: Christian Bale, Steve Zahn, Jeremy Davies
Directed by: Werner Herzog
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action, War, Drama
2007

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A U.S. fighter pilot (Christian Bale) is shot down over Vietnam. He is captured, and held as a prisoner with fellow Americans (Steve Zahn, Jeremy Davies). He decides to plan a daring escape, which is fraught with danger.

Review:

Tim: This is a generally solid movie that had every reason to be great. It is not great, but it is certainly enjoyable. There is enough suspense, excitement, and action to keep most anyone on their toes. The movie moves quickly, and is entertaining from start to finish. The cast all give good performances, and Director Werner Herzog mostly does a good job with the project.

There are, however, a few flaws. First up is the feeling that parts of the movie were rushed. The beginning—up until Dieter Dengler is shot down—feels incredibly rushed. Likewise, the ending is rushed. While Herzog lets the POW scenes move slowly and increase in tension at their own pace, the rest of the movie feels rushed. The film’s conclusion is perhaps its weakest link, and leaves us feeling slightly unsatisfied.

Christian Bale is good as Dengler. He gives a raw, powerful performance, but I can’t help but wish he could have given a little more. I certainly think other actors in Hollywood could have given better performances. He is good, and I have few complaints, but I certainly wish he was better. Steve Zahn, on the other hand, gives an incredible, career-defining performance. He is amazing on screen, and is probably partially responsible for making Bale seem less effective. Zahn is just so fun to watch, and he gives a complicated, desperate performance. He is excellent. Jeremy Davies also gives a very good performance, but for very different reasons than Zahn. The cast is perhaps the film’s strongest aspect.

I very much recommend Rescue Dawn- it is a well-made, enjoyable movie. Though not without their flaws, they are the kind that can be overlooked so that you are still able to appreciate such a good movie.



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



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