Review of Unbroken (2014) by Krystal P — 01 Mar 2015

Another movie that had so much potential that didn't live up to it's hype - or it's pedigree.

I was shocked to learn the Cohen brothers had their hands in the screenplay - and as I've not researched any more about this movie than simply being underwhelmed by the viewing, I can only speculate what it might've been had those guys had more to do with it.

My biggest quibbles:

1) that aircrew! They had to be the best looking, cleanest cut, young (what were they all, like 17-year olds?!) and simply *clean*, I mean grime-free!! crew I've ever seen in a war movie!

2) The way the story was handled. An absolutely amazing tale of human endurance when you string the details out, but the execution was pedestrian. Even my daughter had a few simple ideas (all in the editing, really) that could've made it so much more creative.

3) The epilogue told in end-titles! So many end-titles! It should be: Show a movie! Don't talk/write the movie! First rule in Movie Club!

Here's one of my kid's ideas: Why not begin the movie showing aged-Louie preparing to meet his wartime captors as he explains, maybe to a grandchild, that forgiveness is more healing than revenge? The odd scenes like that interspersed with the flashbacks that make the bulk of Louie's tale of survival would've ultimately added to the already-unbelievable story and elevated it to the level a story like his truly deserves.

While I'm a huge Jolie fan, I think Angelina should stick with producing and leave the directing to more worthy talents. It's a cut-bait while you're ahead kinda sentiment.

(And I agree a lot with Nate Zoebl's review, especially regarding characterization).