What we have here is really just a twist on the Civil Rights Era movie but in a historical setting. In Civil Rights Era movies black victims are only saved when East Coast liberal lawyers ride into town and beat away the wild-eyed, moron Southern whites. In this case, the only thing that changes from that template is that this takes place in Germany instead of Mississippi. Racial politics play out in a World War II prison camp because, as we all know, a story involving a POW camp run by Nazis isn't dramatic enough. Two black American pilots arrive in the camp. One gets murdered, the other is brought up on charges over the death of a white solider. Angry whites spit venom as the dutiful and open minded , Lt. Thomas W. Hart (Colin Farrell), takes up the case. While tensions flare, ranking officer Col. William A. McNamara (Bruce Willis) plots to take revenge on their captors.

Sounds like it could be good, but it isn't. Farrell sleepwalks through his role and the competing conflicts of the racist trial on one hand and Stalag 17 wanna-be element on the other pulls this film in too many directions. It's not a horrible film but it is forgettable.


Related Reviews:
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Live Free or Die Hard (2007)


Other Critic's Reviews:
The Z Review
Roger Ebert

Labels: Bruce Willis, Colin Farrell, film, movie review, World War II