Rating: 
Summary: History as was
Review: Ref. the tech. of the 60's, this is a fine film. Great acting, and better yet..fine aircraft sounds and film. Simply a film to put in an airmans file..If one likes true flight and history.
Rating: 
Summary: Re-make with better model special effects
Review: Several reviewers are right-on-target here about the virtue of this film is its use of actual Mosquito bombers. The point is that by sacrificing weight by going to all wood, the mosquito could fly very fast like a fighter (self-defense against enemy fighters) yet BOMB targets. Its was the world's first fighter-bomber by design. The rarity of flying footage is that the aircraft was DISPOSABLE by design and the glue that held these planes together has fallen apart over the years leaving us only one plane left in flying condition!What I derive is that today we could today build in war-winning large quantities (can't do this with expensive F/A-18s, Harriers) an inexpensive disposible "Mosquito" attack plane using composites like Burt Rutan's ARES "mudfighter" and have it as either manned or unmanned to perform attack missions flying from dirt strips or grassy fields like the 633 Squadron does for better response to our ground troops. We should re-edit this movie with 21st century Mosquito model effects and see if it stands up to its copy-cat Star Wars "death star" fighter-bomber sequence?
Rating:
Summary: One-of-a-kind chance to see multiple Mosquitos
Review: Somewhat loosely adapted from the first of a series of novels by Frederick Smith, this is the story of a fictitious Mosquito squadron's mission to bomb a "rocket fuel factory" (no, not an atomic bomb plant or heavy-water refinery) located at the end of the portentiously-named "Black Fjord". And yes, indeed, George Lucas must cringe whenever anyone sees this movie, because it is SO VERY OBVIOUSLY the source of practically every shot from the now-famous "Death Star Assault" sequence at the end of the original "Star Wars", albeit with unfortunately very unconvincing AA fire effects. The characters are the most amazing assembly of stock types one could ask for (the reckless, the Aussie, the Sikh, the French, the Cockney, the Yank (hopelessly mis-written for the American audience), the world's only black-haired Norwegian and his knock-out ash-blond sister - you get the picture.....) but who the heck cares? All you want to see in this is the one and only chance to catch three Mosquitos starting their engines, taxiing, and flying. Flying through canyons, buzzing the field, zipping through clouds - that's the reason to watch this film. NO, it isn't based on any single "real life story", but it takes the spirit of the "Dambusters" (which is a far superior film) and transplants it to a vastly more impressive aircraft. The score grated on MY nerves after a while - it's main theme is abused in repetition - but I guess some folks go for that. (I much preferred Goldsmith's score for "The Blue Max", but you can't have everything.) Action on the ground IS soapy, almost becoming self-consciously so. But again - that's just something to pass the time between all those great shots of Mossies doing their thing. If you're the kind of person who has to run outside when you hear multiple piston engines roaring overhead, you really will love this movie. If airplanes make you change the channel - take a pass.
Rating: 
Summary: Seismic G-Spot
Review: The last time I watched this movie, it suddenly occurred to me that its climax can be best explained in Freudian terms. Perhaps the power of these underlying sexual connotations, along with the unforgettable music, is the reason why this part of the movie -- despite its Airfix special effects -- is so impressive. The lead-up -- the usual subplots about love in wartime and angst over the possibility of making the ultimate sacrifice-- is mediocre to say the least, but once the squadron skims off across the North Sea to destroy Hitler's heavy water producing plant in Norway, you can't help getting swept along. Those familiar with the basic concepts of Freudianism will observe that to get to the target they have to fly up a fjiord -- a deep, wet inlet with obvious feminine connotations -- and, once they get there, they have to franticly 'fumble around,' bombing a mountain until they hit the equivalent of a seismic G-spot. When this is done the 'earth' truly moves as an avalanche of rock thunders down on the Nazis. The only thing to do for the few survivors is return to base and have that post-coital cigarette!
Rating:
Summary: A Treat for Aviation Buffs !
Review: This film seems to have attracted a number of interesting, positive reviews--there is little for me to add except to say that is is a fine World War II thriller, featuring Cliff Robertson, George Chakiris and a solid British cast in support. Of course, the real "stars" of the movie are the Mosquitos--seeing them fly is a feast for aviation fans. Some scenes really seem to put you in the cockpit with our heroes as they train for their "mission impossible". There is also a fair bit of model work involved, and this is perhaps the only area of the movie that is dated. Special effects have made huge strides since the sixties--when these planes crash or blow up, it is not done in a convincing way for modern audiences. Cliff Robertson is fine in the lead--later in the decade, he was to win an Oscar for "Charly", yet he has always been under-rated. His career certainly had it's "ups and downs"--in the seventies, he blew the whistle on a Hollywood executive who was embezzling money, and good movie roles seemed to "elude" him for a while. Clearly, he is a man of great integrity. It was nice to see him, after so many years, have an important role in the monster hit, "Spiderman". George Chakiris aquits himself well as a Norwegian resistance leader. British character actors, Harry Andrews and Donald Houston, provide the mandatory "stiff upper lips" ! When the movie is over though, it is those fabulous planes that you remember most. The DVD is widescreen, with decent colour for its age--the sound is mono ( imagine those Mosquitos in surround ? ! ). The packaging is very rudimentary, but I suppose this is in keeping with the low price ? If you like war films with the accent on aviation, this one is for you. Try it !
Rating:
Summary: Please buzz me with that Mosquito!
Review: Well I am an American, but I love the British planes and movies. This cast I think is mostly British and do a splendid job of acting. A group of international pilots in the RAF band together to bomb a factory that the silly Germans stuck under a large rock overhang just aching to be avalanched. Even though that would not have happened they at least have plenty of Anti-Aircraft guns and thats factual. Perhaps a slightly exaggerated story premise, but very entertaining and it certainly gives an idea of the heroism of the RAF pilots during WWII. Anyway this is a fine film especially for anyone that enjoys movies like "The Battle of Britain" or "Memphis Belle". As pointed out one benefit is the opportunity to see the magnificent "Mosquito" planes and the beautiful scenery they fly over. Did I mention that the sound of a Merlin engine not only arouses WWII pilots. With the great musical theme of the movie and the acting of cliff Robertson you have a winner. Good point about the models used in the bombing sequences. After all we are talking 40 year old F/X. Star Wars is almost 30 years old and we can certainly see how those special effects are now dated. George Lucas even went back and changed the Death Star explosion to improve it for the re-release. It might be nice to see an updated version of the models in this movie but then we couldn't poke a little fun at them and our age since most of us saw this as kids. Great movie and I have pre-ordered my DVD copy. For you fans of WWII movies, "Sink the Bismack" will also be out on DVD this month. Another great Brit movie.
Rating:
Summary: A feast for Mossie lovers
Review: While this film succeeds as a classic high adventure war movie, the use of actual Mosquitoes was indeed the real attraction. At the time of filming, there were only three airworthy planes (as you can tell when they buzz the airfield) and the planes used were the BIV bomber versions, with painted over plexiglass noses, to make them look like fighter-bombers. The FB version had a door in the side of the plane, whereas you climbed up into the bomber version. Technical accuracy? Who cares? It's just a pleasure to see ANY Mosquito flying for real, and the sound of those Merlins, especially where they buzz the tower and when they are practicing along the valley in Scotland, is a joy to the ears. Ten stars wouldn't be enough to praise this movie. An absolute classic by any standards. Nice also to see the mighty Cliff Robertson as the Squadron Leader, with his Eagle Squadron shoulder flashes proudly displayed. Utterly superb.
Rating:
Summary: Great Footage of De Havilland Mosquito Bombers
Review: World War II adventure film about a Royal Air Force fighter-bomber squadron assigned to destroy a Nazi nuclear weapons research facility in Norway. Cliff Robertson headlines the movie as a former Eagle Squadron pilot in command of 633 Squadron with a colorful assembly of international pilots. They embark on the hazardous assignment with the target located inside a Norwegian fjord, guarded by an immense array of anti-aircraft artillery. Worth noting is the story was probably inspired by the real-life exploits of RAF Mosquito squadrons that conducted such dangerous missions, hunting down Nazi ship convoys along Norway's rugged coastline. The real attraction of this film is abundant footage of authentic World War II-era De Havilland Mosquito bombers used for the movie production. The scenes of these rare aircraft in flight are a delight, especially since there the are no airworthy examples left in the entire world today (the last one was lost with its crew in a tragic crash in 1996). The model airplane special effects are too obvious, especially when compared to the quality of "The Bridges of Toko Ri" starring William Holden. Nonetheless, it's still pretty exciting and viewers can't help but compare the squadron's climatic attack in the treacherous fjord with "Star War's" Jedi attack on the Empire's Death Star. The script and several scenes could have been better, but the authentic aircraft are worth watching. Overall a decent adventure, dated, but enjoyable if you're a fan of the famous De Havilland Mosquito fighter-bomber built of wood, and flown by pilots in daring missions that helped win World War II. For those interested, there's a nice De Havilland aircraft museum north of London, England, on the actual grounds where these impressive aircraft were built. The original prototype Mosquito airplane, and another production model used in the later movie "Mosquito," are on display.
Rating:
Summary: Credit where Credit is due.
Review: Your right. Cheesy on the ground. Maybe not the best in character development but, the Ron Goodwin score and aviation cinematography is to revel in. Excellent footage of the deHavilland Mosquito Fighter-Bomber. (Currently only one flyable Mosquito is known and it is a veteran of this movie.) A chance for the aviation buff to see and hear the a pair of Rolls-Merlins start to wind up as the squadron starts it's training sorties and then the actual mission. Beautiful airborne scenery backed by an awesome swashbucklers score. Downside, the special effects in the fjord bombing scene...eh. But, please take into account the year this was made (1964)...no Industrial Light and Magic yet exsists. What you will get from the movie...an appreiation of Ron Goodwin's music, an appreication of British War film's (Dambusters, Battle of Britian...et al.) Cliff Robertson and Angus Lennie are great together. See Robertson as JFK in "PT 109" and Angus Lennie a great part opposite Steve McQueen in the "Great Escape", in fact, you might think that Angus Lennie's character in "633 Squadron" meets his end in "The Great Escape". George Chakaris in something other than "West Side Story", please. If you don't enjoy the movie, I do think you will enjoy the score. You can get the Theme on the London label recordings, as well as, other Ron Goodwin themes. (Battle of Britian and Operation Crossbow)
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