Flags of our Fathers - 2/5

This movie is passable in its presentation of war, muddled in its statements on hero worship, and goes on far too long to do justice to its subject matter. The battle scenes, acting, and score are all serviceable, but the writing and directing are noticeably lacking here, bringing nothing to the table. Its greatest crime is being a boring war movie, which is downright difficult to pull off.

Closest comparison: It’s like We Were Soldiers by way of Thank You For Smoking.

Setting: War
Plot: War / Drama
Tone: Drama

1917 - 5/5

This movie is impeccably acted, with a compelling story and empathetic characters, but the main draw comes from the fact that the entire thing is a oner. Of course there are several cleverly hidden cuts and one plot-based one, but the effect is more than just window dressing; it brings the audience with the characters on their urgent journey. The main characters have a few lucky escapes from bad marksmen, but that’s a minor quibble at best in a film like this. The period costuming and set design is jaw-dropping, and everything comes together in an impressive and epic package.

Content warning: war violence

Closest comparison: Where Dunkirk (2017) shuffled its timeline, 1917’s is seamless.

Setting: War
Plot: Adventure
Tone: Thriller

Midway (2019) - 3/5

This is a straightforward account of one of the major battles in the Pacific Theater of World War II, starting with the attack on Pearl Harbor and ending with the fight to defend the Midway Atoll. It’s an entertaining way to learn about historical events and as such the pacing is more that of a history book than a blockbuster action movie. The acting is fine; stilted in a few places, but on par for a military movie. The battles are multifaceted and interesting, and the film does a good job of keeping the audience apprised of the current tactics and stakes.

Closest comparison: It’s like Ford v Ferrari for WWII buffs.

Setting: War
Plot: War
Tone: War

Dunkirk - 5/5

This movie is awesome to watch. Not 'fun' like a lot of other war movies try to be, but the experience is intense and I can't think of anything they should have done differently. There are very loud parts in this movie (and rightly so), but if you're sensitive to loud noises wait til it comes out on DVD. The cinematography is beautiful and the storytelling is fascinating. Also don't go if you have a weak heart; this movie is tense for most of its runtime.

Edit: On a second viewing there is a lot more to catch. I didn't realize quite so many of the secenes are played back later from a different perspective, and many of the earlier scenes take on a new meaning when you watch them knowing what's going on elsewhere/elsewhen. Still a great film, and I stand by my 5/5 rating.

Rogue One - 4/5

Ok, it's good. It's really good. Don't let the trailers fool you; several shots in the trailer aren't in the film at all. Definitely go see it.
There were 5-6 lines that were modern colloquialisms and I thought the female lead was the weakest part of the film. She was much better than I thought she'd be, though, and it just feels so much like Star Wars that I'm still giving it a very good ranking. It's almost a 5, but not quite