Fighter Pilot - Operation Red Flag (2004)
Average Rating: 6.2/10
Reviews Counted: 16
Fresh: 9 | Rotten: 7
No consensus yet.
Average Rating: 6.4/10
Critic Reviews: 8
Fresh: 5 | Rotten: 3
No consensus yet.
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Average Rating: 3.7/5
User Ratings: 1,297
My Rating
Movie Info
The excitement and danger that is part of an air-force pilot's training dominates this visually exciting documentary, shot and initially exhibited in the large-format IMAX film format. Inspired by the exploits of the pilot's grandfather, a Marine flyer who served in World War II, Fighter Pilot: Operation Red is the story of John C. Stratton, a captain in the United States Air Force who is eager to become a fighter pilot. With this goal in mind, Stratton's superiors assign him to Red Flag, an
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All Critics (17) | Top Critics (8) | Fresh (9) | Rotten (7) | DVD (3)
The movie is something of a throwback to the early days of Imax, when the emphasis was more on awing audiences with technology that made us feel as if we actually were in the picture.
Top CriticThe titular operation often yanks the film from big-screen sensation to a pedantic look at military procedures best suited to a TV documentary.
An interesting overview of the unique-in-its-scope training exercise.
Factor in the thunderous digital surround sound, and the only thing missing is the smell of jet fuel.
The film is less sure-footed when on the ground, but the stunning aerobatics will blow you away, while the close-ups enhance the sense of intimacy and urgency.
An IMAX film highlighted by exhilarating sequences of simulated aerial combat.
Timing has not been kind to Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag, a well-made movie coming out when rah-rah militarism isn't an easy sell.
The movie's main strength is that it conveys what we might feel blasting along at 600 mph, flying under the radar, almost skimming desert rocks.
It's curiously uninvolving for any viewer who is not already into military flight or video games.
The film flies the fine line between edutainment and propaganda for the Air Force. Could have used more excitement, but still pretty interesting, and has its moments.
Fighter Pilot is a mere snippet of entertainment, enlightening in the oversized format, but underwhelming as a thrill ride.
Flies as a tribute to these heroic folks and provides a rare supersize peek at the teamwork and dangers involved in flight training.
Audience Reviews for Fighter Pilot - Operation Red Flag
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Foreign Titles
- Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag (DE)
- Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag (UK)
