Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag

Love IMAX and love planes... so two great things must go great together. Yes and no. This is a 48 minute film shot on IMAX which highlights a large air training exercise by US and other international fighter teams. The "story" is told from the point of view of a new fighter pilot. Visually it is very stunning. Aerial photography is a challenge and this IMAX crew has managed to capture some amazing moments with multiple aircraft in fast and dangerous situations. Just the massive scope of the operation as relayed by the AWACS team's computer footage (actually I'm not really sure those animations were real or designed for the film) is awe inspiring. The narration is simplistic and could appeal to any audience, which IMAX films are designed to do. The ultimate strength of IMAX is its ability to take moviegoers to places they will never go (Everest, the Space Station etc). The artisty and bravery of IMAX cinematographers is as astonishing as the films themselves!
Favorite moment: Testing the potentially faulty engine... scary stuff!
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The Illusionist

I found this film interesting but it's real attraction is the opportunity to see Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti work together. Very funny that a film about European characters unites two of America's premier actors. I was pining for the opportunity to see these two go head to head as New Yorkers in a drama or thriller. Maybe some day! The story was ok but the pacing is so laid back I was being lulled to sleep a little. It felt like it was in auto pilot the whole time leaving no sense of tension or drama. Yes characters clash but at no time did I worry about anybody's safety.. it felt as if it would all turn out well no matter what. The magic is ultimately just a gimmick to move the plot along and is never explained other than to say it is just an illusion. I am looking forward to The Prestige which takes a meatier look at magic (assuming they follow the book). The Illusionist has a quirky nostaligic cinemagraphic style which neither enhances nor interferes with the telling of the story. The sets (actual places in Europe I would guess) are very good looking and the detail to costumes and props is reminiscent of Topsy Turvy. Interesting that this is from a short story by Steven Millhauser. That is good news... maybe someone will try to film Martin Dressler!
Favorite moment: The Illusionist entertaining and helping the street urchins.
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