ANGEL OF THE SKIES

 

 

THE PLOT THUS FAR

War is declared and Britain must take action against Nazi Germany if Europe is going to be saved from its ruthless clutches. Determined to beat the enemy Flt. Office Earl Kirk, a young South African pilot, volunteers his services to the Royal Air Force, sacrificing his family, his future and himself in the fight against evil. Whilst in combat, surrounded by bombers and under relentless attack, Kirk must make the decision that could change his and his crew’s life forever.

WHAT WE THOUGHT

“Angel of the Skies” is a South African film that plays like the World War II movies of the 1960s and 1970s. I guess that they are supposed to be British, as they use English slang in a way befitting a 17 year old from Akron. There will be many far more confusing moments like that throughout the film. Naturally, it will drive WWII fans up the wall, but that is the least of the problems at hand. The major issue is that the film looks like something Uwe Boll would plop out during a serious drama phase.

Ultimately, the CG planes and the weird timeline for the film set the stage for later problems. It’s a World War II movie on a superficial level. Much like the original “Inglorious Bastards”, the film takes a Eurotrash approach to history. Details don’t matter, so much as the locales are there and the explosions are big. Nationalities, historical elements and general dramatic structure are means to hold back the true film. Whatever film that is, I’m sure it will appear eventually. I would lie and say that I was kidding, but I’m not.

The DVD comes with no special features. The Dolby 5.1 track sets up a strong sound stage for the movie. However, there is a persistent haze on the standard definition transfer. It’s not terrible, but it stands out. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase to the curious.

RELEASE DATE: 12/31/2013