REELGUY'S REEL REVIEW: "Amelia" is melodramatic and lifeless

A big name, award-caliber cast, remarkable feats in aviation, and the story of a real-life adventurer shrouded in mystery = boring melodrama? "Amelia" could have been a statuette contender and box office draw but instead the drama suffers from lifeless direction, performances and pacing. It is as if the filmmakers decided to highlight all the uninspiring aspects of the lady pilot's life in the most unflattering ways. After Amy Adams's flamboyant turn as Ms. Earhart in the comedic "Night at the Museum 2" earlier in the same year, Hilary Swank's portrayal feels particularly flat. Even if Swank's performance is more true to the actual woman, that public perception deserves some credence in her portrayal. It is not until the final scene of Earhart flying lost across the Pacific that the movie builds some emotional heft and gravitas. Too bad that scene is chopped up and sprinkled throughout the rest of the film, like seasoning that doesn't quite improve the flavor of the overall dish.

Amelia wins the opportunity to participate in a publicity stunt run by a businessman, George Putnam (Richard Gere), on behalf of a wealthy patroness. She is to be the first woman to pilot a plane across the Atlantic but it is mostly a ruse. This among many other icon-shattering events contributes to a movie that is less motivational and more a dispiriting stare behind the magic curtain. Amelia reluctantly enters into a work and personal relationship with Putnam, as he tries to ground her while her head is firmly in the clouds. Earhart has the wandering eye in this relationship, as a romantic entanglement occurs with another aviation enthusiast, Gene Vidal (Ewan McGregor). The love story, emphasized in the movie trailers, is muddled and unappetizing most of the time. And most heinously of all, the flying gets the backseat to Amelia's personal life.

The flying scenery is beautiful and the period clothes and atmosphere are appropriate but the actual narrative lacks any real drama until the very end. Despite the three stars attempts at sincerity, the director takes the picture in the absolute wrong direction. Perhaps building the main character up before showing her imperfections and ultimate tragedy would have made a more emotionally gratifying movie. What a shame.

Rated PG for some sensuality, language, thematic elements and smoking.