Prior to America’s involvement in World War One, a young Texan cowboy—played by James Franco—enlists with the Lafayette Escadrille in France, an organization comprised of American volunteer fighter pilots. These men undergo training and subsequently encounter both the excitement and the grim realities inherent in aerial warfare. “Flyboys” (2006) draws inspiration from actual events and follows a familiar pattern established by earlier films like “The Blue Max” (1966) and “Aces High" (1976). While it doesn’t reach the heights of the remarkable "Blue Max," this film proves more engaging than the rather dull “Aces High,” even if its narrative occasionally feels reminiscent of a comic book adaptation, similar to “Legends of the Fall.” It also surpasses the strangely forgettable “The Red Baron” (2008). The movie aims for an expansive and almost epic scope, but it does suffer from some moments that feel forced and unbelievable. For example, the subplot involving a "German spy" could have been eliminated without any significant loss, which would have made for a more focused viewing experience. Still, I appreciate that this film isn’t as rigidly realistic as “Aces High,” a worthwhile depiction of World War One pilots—though it is a quality film in its own right. For instance, "Flyboys" includes an impressive trench sequence set in ‘No Man's Land’; however, the events depicted don't quite ring true (the ease with which one character rescues another feels particularly contrived). The character of Eugene Skinner, the black pilot, is based on the real-life figure of Eugene Jacques Bullard; the filmmakers simply altered his surname. The historical Eugene had hoped to join the Lafayette Escadrille, but recruitment ceased in the summer of 1916 after they accepted 38 American pilots. Consequently, a few months later, he joined the Lafayette Flying Corps on November 15, 1916. Concerning the practice of strafing downed aviators—which was considered unsportsmanlike conduct—the movie suggests that some unscrupulous pilots engaged in this behavior, which seems plausible. Within the film, an dishonorable German pilot shoots and kills an American, prompting a more honorable German pilot to seek atonement in a rather impactful scene. The runtime is 2 hours and 20 minutes, and filming took place in England (Buckinghamshire, Essex, Bedfordshire & Somerset House, Strand, London), supplemented by studio work in Hertfordshire. By the way, Whisky, the lion, was an actual mascot for the squadron, along with another named Soda. GRADE: B/B+

Source on TMDB