Red Tails

CGI-enhanced aerial dogfights and a final moment of respect paid are the highlights of this uneven tribute to the courageous Tuskegee Airmen of World War II. Back in 1925, a U.S. Army War College survey determined that “colored personnel [were] unfit for military service,” but during WWII, the Army needs skilled airmen with the bravery and discipline to accompany and protect B-17s (the Flying Fortresses) on bombing runs. We meet the African-American pilots in the 332nd Fighter Group—based at Ramitelli Airfield in Italy—who combat racism and eventually win the respect of their Caucasian counterparts. Joe “Lightning” Little (David Oyelowo) is a rebellious daredevil, while Marty “Easy” Julian (Nate Parker) is his stressed-out, hard-drinking superior officer. Yet the pair have formed an unlikely friendship. Maj. Emmanuel Stance (Cuba Gooding Jr.) is the squadron's pipe-smoking commander, serving under defiant, Washington-based Col. A.J. Bullard (Terrence Howard), who persistently lobbies for newer planes and more substantive missions, despite objections at the Pentagon from Col. Mortamus (Bryan Cranston), a bigoted Southerner. Various subplots—one about an interracial romance, another involving a heroic young pilot who became the first black prisoner-of-war—make for more melodrama but can't compete with the airborne action sequences. Executive produced by George Lucas and directed by Anthony Hemingway, the film is based on Red Tails, Black Wings: The Men of America's Black Air Force, referring to the distinctive markings on their P-51 Mustangs. A strong optional purchase. (S. Granger)