REELGUY'S DVD REVIEW:
'Valkyrie' a remarkable historical film
Two stars careers are saved by the modest success of Valkyrie: director Bryan Singer and lead actor Tom Cruise. While Singer's missteps were purely professional in the fumbling of the new entry in the Superman franchise, 'Superman Returns'; Cruise's problems were much more personal. A formerly bankable star who would guarantee a sizeable box office return on a movie; Cruise's strange behaviors prior to the release of 'Mission Impossible III' in 2006 destroyed the actor's prestige with the movie-going public. His next film, the morally heavy-handed political drama 'Lions for Lambs' and an extended cameo while in heavy make-up for the Ben Stiller comedy 'Tropic Thunder' contributed to Cruise becoming worse than despised. Simply forgotten. But both Singer and Cruise prove their worth to the movie-industry by creating an exciting and memorable historical thriller out of 'Valkyrie'; a film I strongly recommend on DVD.
Based on a remarkable true story, near the end of World War II a contingent of the German military were plotting to overthrow Hitler. While Major-General Von Tresckow (Kenneth Branaugh), General Olbricht (Bill Nighy), and General Beck (Terence Stamp) may have participated longer in the plot to assassinate the Fuhrer; Colonel von Stuaffenberg (Cruise) changes everything upon joining the group. The power of the Colonel's personality and his practical nature cause him to assume command of the group. He formulates a creative plan to both kill Hitler and take back control of the government. Von Stauffenberg was not without his concerns, for his family and himself, should the attempt fail and the group be revealed to the Nazis. While the eventual outcome is known, the how, when, and why are explored by Singer in a highly entertaining and insightful way.
Singer is able to create both a drama and a thriller out of 'Valkyrie', not an easy balancing act. 'Valkyrie' has the substance and character exploration of a drama, and the nerve-wracking tone and pace of a thriller. The viewer feels while watching that at any time the conspirators could be found out and taken into custody. Singer also manages to make the viewer believe, for a moment, that the Colonel might succeed, despite knowing Hitler’s eventual fate. The director's attention to both necessary and unnecessary detail is impressive. It shows a unique understanding and mastery of the craft of filmmaking. Singer is out of director's jail after making this marvelous story.
Cruise proves himself a capable lead in Valkyrie. His passion and charismatic presence makes you believe the Colonel could succeed, if things had gone only slightly differently. Cruise takes a physically disabled man and through his performance, empowers him to be the most impressive man in the room. I am willing to give Cruise another chance, as should audiences.
Each of the major actors in the film add something to the overall story, whether its an indecisive general, a proud, stately civilian, or a bureaucratic self-preservationist. Tom Wilkinson stands apart in another important supporting role, playing the original 'flip-flopper.' 'Valkyrie' is a beautifully captured movie, reminiscent of the original 'Indiana Jones' trilogy in its authentic historical look.
This is an important film for Americans to watch. It proves not all Germans, at the time, were either Nazis or implicitly agreed with Hitler's plans. Instead, there were good men at the top trying to protect their homeland by plotting to overthrow her government. I highly recommend 'Valkyrie' to not only history buffs but anyone who enjoys a rousing yarn that means something.
Rated PG-13 for violence and brief strong language.
