Review and news hub for movies, music and video games

Movie:		8.0
Picture:		7.0
Sound:		8.0
Extras:		7.0
Score:		8.0

Director(s):	Bryan Singer
Writer(s):	Christopher McQuarrie & Nathan Alexander
Starring:	Bill Nighy • Eddie Izzard • Terence Stamp • Tom Cruise • Tom Wilkinson • Kenneth Branagh
Genre:	War
Release Date:	May 19, 2009
Rated:

List Price:	DVD - $22.99 ; Blu-ray - $24.99
Amazon:

Ever since the debacle of MI:3, a project which saw Tom Cruise—to put it politely—“released” from his obligations to Paramount, Cruise has had more ups and downs than the stock market. Bouncing straight back after he was prestigiously appointed to head up United Artists, his first act was the somber, snooze inducing political drama Lions for Lambs. Then, out of nowhere, a self-deprecating turn under some seriously unflattering make-up as the foul-mouthed, ball-busting studio mogul behind Tropic Thunder made him credible again.

Now after a long and bloody PR campaign that saw the world’s biggest film star taking to the TV spots to explain why you should go see his movie, Cruise managed to cement his place in a year that was really all about comebacks. And what better way to comeback than to go so against type—the Cruiser flashing those pearly whites against the clammy gray of the Third Reich, surely not? Though in all honesty this detailed reconstruction of Col. Claus Von Stauffenberg and the plot to assassinate Hitler is a deck so stacked in his favor it wouldn’t look out of place being shuffled by Danny Ocean.

Gifted that most rare of cinematic commodities, a sympathetic Nazi, Cruise has more than enough pedigree for a role like this. Much like the solid body of early work that built his career and reputation (think the likes of The Firm, A Few Good Men), Cruise surrounds himself with talented senior thespians (Tom Wilkinson, Bill Nighy) and veteran character actors in a role that calls on him to follow his conscience and put himself on the line to do what’s right. An opening sequence in which Stauffenberg pens his journal employs the old Hunt for Red October "Babel Fish" device to establish two things for the viewer from the outset: first, just ignore the accent issue; second, Stauffenberg thinks Hitler is a total dick—a complete tosspot of the highest order, whose madness, thirst for power, and action against the Jews have cost countless lives and forever tarnished Stauffenberg’s beloved Germany.

But as Cruise so desperately hammers home in the TV spots, “This is not a World War II movie, it’s a conspiracy story that happens to be set in World War II.” Aside from an ear-splitting RAF attack on a pit stopped convoy in Africa—which costs Stauffenberg one hand, three fingers and an eye—it is close to the two hour mark before another shot is fired. Instead we get a slow burning, wholly absorbing account of the plan, its players and its conception and execution along with all the decision-making and costly indecision that went on in-between.

Already well underway by the time Stauffenberg was drafted in to assist (this was the last of sixteen known attempts on Hitler’s life by German resistance), the conspiracy is both sprawling and complex involving an astounding number of people. Making up this rogue’s gallery of intellectuals, disgruntled military brass, politicians and common soldiers is a who’s who of British talent that effortlessly elevate what might otherwise be some lengthy, dialogue-heavy hand wringing into a gripping tug-of-war between idealism and self-interest. Standouts include Terrance Stamp as the chancellor in waiting, Bill Nighy as the German high-commander strong on morals yet gripped by cowardice, and Tom Wilkinson as the power-hungry commander of the reserve army, aware of the plot but happy to stand by and see which way the wind ends up blowing. And at the center Stauffenberg is the stern symbol of simmering defiance, the likes of which only Cruise can deliver.

Tiptoeing around the halls of power, Singer, showing the flashes of directorial brilliance that got him noticed with The Usual Suspects, has the camera hug these men like a trench coat. Peering over their shoulder while they quietly whisper to one another on the state of play, where death is certain if discovered, Singer ramps up the tension with a couple of false starts and near-misses creating an atmosphere which positively smolders. Once the plan is executed, the film descends into a freefall of pay-off as you witness just how close they came to pulling it off and to say more would be to spoil some grade A storytelling.

As far as history is concerned, Germany’s role in World War II, particularly that of its military men, is always going to be a difficult subject and one Hollywood typically does well to stay away from. But the more intelligently minded should quite honestly have at it; as evidenced by this, the likes of Downfall and oldies like Cross of Iron and The Eagle Has Landed, the Germans really do have the more interesting story to tell.

Blu-ray Bonus Features

As you work your way through the lengthy list of "making of" featurettes, promotional appearances and historical context docs, what strikes you is just how rattled Cruise obviously was during the run up to Valkyrie’s theatrical release. Back to the wall amidst the critical backlash and with the public seemingly done him, Cruise knew he simply had to deliver.

Listening to Cruise and Singer yak away with producer/co-writer Christopher McQuarrie you’re reminded just what a consummate professional the man is and just how full of humor he can be when he’s relaxed. On both this and the secondary track with McQuarrie and Nathan Alexander the chief topic of conversation is the difficulty of making intellectual and practical choices spark with drama. Equally troublesome was just how to make what is in essence a lot of talking carry with it a forward momentum and both tracks should be given time by anyone with even a passing interest in story structure.

Also on the disc is the "Reel Pieces" discussion featuring Cruise and Singer recorded at the 92^nd Street Y. Five different "making of" featurettes detail the logistical difficulties of location shooting for key sequences in the film such as the aerial sequences and the African front attack. Finally, as a treat for history buffs, is a two hour documentary—the kind of thing that the History channel runs multiple times a month—detailing every aspect of the German resistance and their numerous attempts to overthrow the Reich. Also included is a digital copy of the movie.