How To Review A Movie About "Amelia" ?

Amelia (2009)
Rated PG for language

Starring Hillary Swank, Richard Gere, Ewan McGregor, Christopher Eccleston

Directed by Mira Nair

The Story:

Amelia Earhart (Swank), perhaps you've heard of her?  In her famous attempt to circumnavigate the globe with her trusted navigator, Fred Noonan (Eccleston), the two vanished, never to be seen or heard from again.  Sorry if that spoils it for you, but basically that's the story you'll be watching.

Now I feel like I've spoiled the ending of the Titanic ( a movie that will never be reviewed here) ...

And Leo Dies...

So basically this is the struggles of Earhart to fly, as that was not something that women did back then.  She champions her cause, and that of women pilots everywhere.  This is where she runs into George Putnam (Gere) the man who publicizes her feats and makes her more famous by the day.

Naturally, the two fall in love and are married, and George is there for her every step of the way.

Then, enter Gene Vidal (McGregor) who puts more than a vested interest into the married pilot, and you've got your plot thickening right before your very eyes!

The movie looks great, the time period is recreated very lovingly.

But...

I Must Choose Between An Officer and a Gentleman...

It's slow... and at nearly 2 hours, probably overly long for what you're getting.

While there is supposed to be tension, this movie was kicked to the curb by me because, like Titanic, I know the ending going in. 

Where is the suspense on what she does early in her career?

I know she won't die in any plane crash until she goes for her record at the end of the movie.

:: yawn ::

Or a Jedi...

Ooo.... she loves Putnam but Vidal is making a play for her...

And yet, there's really no onscreen chemistry between any of the actors.

Again, nothing inherently wrong with any of the movie, just wanted so much more.

Your mileage may of course vary.


Final Grade: C

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I'd have to say that I'm good after this one.