Review of The Aviator (2004) by Luke G — 09 Aug 2012

There are a lot of movies that I have given 5 stars before. There are a lot of things that must happen for me to give a movie 5 stars. The cast has to be absolutely spot on in their acting. The film must have a gripping and entertaining story line.

The lead actor/actress must keep my attention thoroughly throughout the entire film. The special effects for the movie must be up to par with the story line and the time the film occurs. The direction of the film must be captivating and creative.

The film must not have any moments where it drags with its acting performances or the story line. The Aviator is one of the few movies that I have experienced in my life that has achieved all of the listed above qualifications.

I way absolutely blown away by this film. The magnificent acting from Leonardo DiCaprio is top notch, and it will forever be remembered for the brilliant and heartbreaking performance of his career. The Academy Award winning performance from Cate Blanchett as Katherine Hepburn is absolutely striking.

From her mannerisms to her laugh, Blanchett has this role down to a T. The other notable actors from this film are Alec Baldwin, Kate Beckinsale, John C. Reilly, Jude Law, Willem DaFoe, Alan Alda, and Gwen Stefani.

Though Stefani, Law, and DeFoe only appeared in single scenes, they really contributed to the film. Beckinsale plays a reliable girlfriend for Hughes in one of her best roles. In my opinion, Alan Alda is one fantastic actor, but I see him as a conservative politician from The West Wing (2004-2006).

His character was very much the same throughout most of the movie. However, my opinion of him changed as soon as the trial regarding Hughes occurred. I was enthralled and attentive to his characterization and his acting.

Very well done at that part. Beckinsale was superb. She was very classy and charismatic as the characters were at that time of history (30's and 40's). Alec Baldwin played the main antagonist for Hughes besides Hughes's internal struggles with OCD and mental problems.

Baldwin was magnificent and unlike any of his other roles. He really played a good guy to dislike in this movie. John C. Reilly also delivered a great performance as the man who Hughes puts in charge of his company and personal finances.

Reilly plays the voice of reason in the crazy whirlwind of Howard Hughes. The movie takes you on a crazy ride through the mind of one of the greatest tycoons of all time that was revolutionary in the 30's and 40's.

Howard Hughes's story will forever be remembered because of the spine-chilling performances from DiCaprio and the rest of the cast.