Memphis Belle Details

David Puttnam — here co-producing with Catherine Wyler, whose father, director William Wyler, made 1944's classic documentary of the same name — was the force behind this moving and nostalgic trip back to the Second World War that focuses on the crew members of a B-17 bomber who are bidding to complete their final mission. It's a bit too predictable — the usual “will they make it back or not” heroics — but the characters (slickly played by a strong cast that includes Matthew Modine and Eric Stoltz) are endearing and the crew's final flight is grippingly filmed. Most of the plaudits, though, must go to the stunning aerial effects and photography, and, of course, to the real heroes of this true-life story.

"...MEMPHIS BELLE is a grand and rousing adventure....The vigorous young cast enhances the excitement of the flight sequences, which are spectacular..."