Valkyrie

If you were to take Mission Impossible (any of the three really) and make it a WWII movie, it would be Vaklyrie.  In fact, there are several times where I wasn’t sure if Tom Cruise, who plays the protagonist, was even totally convinced he wasn’t in MI:4: When Hitler Strikes Back.  Granted that Cruise is an idiot in everyday life (read, Scientology), one must see him as an actor in this one (though it may be difficult initially), and when you do that, you find that he isn’t as bad as you might have expected, and the movie’s plot, script, and supporting cast make for a very enjoyable film.

In Norse mythology, the Valkyrie choose those who will be taken to the afterlife, or, as the movie explains them, they choose who will die.  Either way, it’s a fitting title, for both the film and the military/political operation from whence the movie takes its name.  The movie is, of course, a story of one of the nearly 20 foiled assassination attempts on Hitler (David Bamber) during WWII.  It tells the tale of Stauffenberg (Cruise) and his accomplices in what turns out to be a very complex attempt to stake a military coup in Germany.  I won’t reveal anymore, but, just for the record, I think we both know how this one ended.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of this movie, for me, besides the fascination with pretty much anything involving Hitler, is the supporting cast.  It features Bill Nighy (Shaun of the Dead, Love Actually), Terrence Stamp (Yes Man), Tom Wilkinson (everything you’ve ever seen, including Batman Begins and Michael Clayton).  It also has some notable B-list stars you’ll recognize from movies like Pirates of the Caribbean and My Super Ex-Girlfriend.  And one Shakespearean behemoth: Kenneth Branagh.  So even if you dislike the plot, much of the acting is very good.  Very good, indeed.

As far as a summary of my views on this one, I’ll just suffice it to say that it was 1) very enjoyable, and 2) not as bad as a film as I thought it was going to be.  The acting on Tom Cruise’s part is generally pretty good, and the plot, though pretty conventional, still had me on the edge of my seat for good bit.  I wish I had cared more about Stauffenberg’s family, but the movie just doesn’t lend itself to that subplot.  It just gives you a few tiny reminders of their existence, but never gives you any real substantial reason to think of them as important or worthy of your emotional energy.  And all things considered, it isn’t one of Bryan Singer’s (The Usual Suspects, X-Men, Superman Returns) best.  It’s probably better on the big screen, but I wouldn’t be too upset if you miss this one.  Good, but not great.  Enjoyable, but Downfall is a much better Hitler film.  Rent that one instead.

Rating: 2.5/4 Stars