Visitors Review

tkincaid (2012-05-23 22:02)

They got the history right!

As a student of WWII, and a former German Gymnasium student, I can tellyou that they got the history right. Did they leave out a lot - yes.Did they not mention how may people were executed as a result of theValkyrie plot - yes. But they did show an important part of Germanhistory, and world history.Whatever you think of Tom Cruise as a human being or as an actor, hereally delivered in this film. He brought the right combination ofpatriotism and megalomania to pull of this part.Von Stauffenberg was not a saint - but he was a good man, determined tosave his country from the very worst it had done. He was racist andpro-Germany - but so was every other high-ranking German officer (andGerman aristocrat) of the times.The movie builds toward it's chilling climax, showing the desperationand futility of the plotters. The scenes in Berlin during the few hoursof the attempted coup show people's heroism and devotion.Whether we like their characters' motives or not, Valkyrie did happen,and it was important.

(2012-05-23 16:41)

Gripping true would War 2 film

Once again Tom Crurse has not let me down in this true Would War 2 film.A must see for all.

Diva Velez (2012-05-22 08:06)

Thanks mostly to fine work by its great cast, Valkyrie is not a loss and has some riveting moments, but it's not the scintillating wartime thriller it could have been.

M.E. Russell (2012-05-21 15:25)

The film is a minor Christmas miracle: It succeeds on its own terms, despite the gossip hounds' best blood-sniffing efforts, and dares to be an entertainment rather than a statement.

(2012-05-19 04:44)

Better than expected

For some reason, probably the liberal media dislike of Tom Cruise, I had low expectations for this movie, but having recently been to Berlin, I craved something about the Hitler era. This was a good, well-acted, crisp drama with even some tears at the end. See it!

KaitlinCostello (2012-05-18 23:37)

Mediocre movie, and Cruise is hopelessly miscast as a Germanic aristocrat. He simply cannot pull it off.

The review by Michael Malak in which he tells us how much this moviehelps his 9 year old recognize "Good Guys and Bad Guys" is as unhelpfulto us as seeing the movie is for his son. The Germanic peoples were notaccidentally "roped in" to doing something against their will duringWorld War II. And von Stauffenberg, though admittedly brave--as wereall the plotters--was not a hero. (People who undertake extremelydangerous and risky schemes have to have courage, but that is differentfrom heroism.)You have to remember that Germany started the war onSeptember 1, 1939. The plot in this film came about after almost fiveyears of atrocities and aggression. The whole idea popped intoStauffenberg's head not for "humanitarian" concerns or "moral"consciousness, but because the war was going very badly for theGermans. If Germany had been winning the war hands down, he never wouldhave contemplated this. I worry that the Germans today, what with theirmonument to him and other plotters and such, are not inventing "heroes"so as to avoid the real lessons of history. The movie is also mediocreat best. 2 - 2½ stars.

(2012-05-16 02:15)

Pretty Good Movie

This review is from: Valkyrie (Amazon Instant Video) I wouldn't go see this in the theater because I just couldnt get past watching Tom Cruise play a German surrounded by all these other people with British accents. I decided to rent the movie on Amazon and it was worth the money. After you get past the early parts of the movie you completely forget about Tom Cruise and his American accent. When they set the bomb off to kill Hitler you really start to move to the edge of your seat and the movie has a great supporting cast of actors. You don't realize how close they came to actually assassinating Hitler until you watch this.

Chuck Rowin (2012-05-15 08:55)

2nd Worse movie ever made

First of all there is no way T. Cruise could have been an SS officer,he doesn't fit the physical profile. He is a great actor but to nothave real Germans playing the roles is a slap in the face of moviemaking. Secondly, the men involved in this plot were scared to death!The actors portray them as if they have nothing to worry about and asif there is no need to wonder about the individuals they are in cahootswith. i would recommend that people save their money and buy a mocha atthe airport. It is obvious that everyone involved in the making of thismovie have no regard for history and hope to rewrite the way thingswere. Germans were evil, the allies killed most of them and those thatwere left all swear they had nothing to do with it. This movie is asham and tries to offer an apology for mass sheepishness. Do you reallywant us to believe that the whole time Jews were being taken from theirhomes that they were the only ones who knew? Their neighbors didn'tknow? Get real. Waste of money, unless you were looking for another MImovie, if thats the case it is great. To say that it took balls to makethis movie is to say you never saw the movie made in Germany just a fewyears after the war on the very same subject. It takes no couragewhatsoever to make a movie of no consequence. This movie is 40 yearstoo late.

girllovesmovies27 (2012-05-13 05:49)

Better than expected

*may contain spoilers* I enjoy war films and ones that portray theGerman experience, and I'm not all that sure this one is aiming to dothat. It may be, but it didn't feel authentic. It was veryentertaining, however, and that is due to the supporting cast. Thankyou so much for casting Thomas Kretschmann! I would have much preferredmore screen time with him rather than Cruise. They should have switchedroles. Sometimes a less well-known (or a less crazy) actor should playa lead. That said, I thought Cruise did okay. It was odd to see EddieIzzard and Bill Nighy in this film-usually they are goof balls oroffbeat characters. Seeing them trying to be more straight charactersis a weird experience. The ending was quite unsatisfactory-maybe Imissed something? What happened to the Colonel's wife and kids? Itdidn't quite fulfill my need for a war film, but it didn't totally flopon me either.

Louis Proyect (2012-05-12 15:58)

Earnest and understated movie about the General's plot against Hitler. Despite Cruise's reputation for derring-do characters, this is a very human German colonel that he plays.

(2012-05-11 04:06)

A Stunning Historical Spectacle

We all know who Hitler is. If you don't, you're an idiot. If you don't, let me give you a very short and vague lesson as to the man that is Hitler. Hitler = very evil man, killed many people, tried to create a German empire and almost succeeded, became a bit too power hungry and had his allies turn against him. Now you know Hitler, then this can lead you on the path to understanding this film and just exactly what operation Valkyrie was. Operation Valkyrie is an operation put in place by Hitler which ensures that in the event of allied bombings on major German cities that may cause disruption to law & order and the upper authorities, that order and law is upheld. This is the basic ways in which operation Valkyrie would work and the movie tells the story of how Colonel Claus von Staufenberg (Cruise) and other major figures in Hitler's army attempt to use operation Valkyrie to their advantage to help the takeover of Hitler's government after he's assassinated. Of course, many people can be forgiven for thinking that Hitler's Germany was all on his side. After all, that's the way it is portrayed in our school history lessons. Very rarely are we shown the good side of Germany, and very rarely are we taught about the numerous attempts on the Fuhrer's life. "Valkyrie" brings one of the more infamous attempts on Hitler's life to the big screen, which develops into one of the most thrilling movies of the year. The film itself starts off with an attempt on Hitler's life as Major-General Henning von Tresckow (Kenneth Branagh) hides a bomb within a wine case which is brought onto the same plane as Hitler as he leaves the airfield. The Bomb doesn't detonate and Tresckow is approached by fellow conspirator General Friedrich Olbricht (Bill Nighy) who informs Tresckow that another member of their secret committee was arrested and therefore must be replaced. A recommendation is made that General Claus von Staufenberg (Cruise) should be brought in to help develop a new plan of action. Throughout the film there is some fantastic dialogue which ignites genuine discussion over the nature of the German people during war time. Were all Germans 100% behind Hitler or were they simply taken intimidated by his prowess and posture? From the appearance of this film it would seem that some of his highest ranking generals weren't even an ounce behind him. It's not only the historical depiction that is great about this film but it's more about the way it's filmed and the appearance of the cast. The settings seem authentic and in some senses present an intimidating portrait of the Nazi's we have come to know about today. Although this film is based around the plot to kill Hitler and restore Germany's dignity before they are invaded by the allies, we see very little of Hitler himself, played by David Bamber. The depiction of the Fuhrer is that of a frail, beaten old man who says very little. This is in high contrast to the electrifying and terrifying speeches we have seen him perform before his followers. Maybe the brief sightings of Hitler allow for the terrifying image we hold to stay within, whilst presenting this brief glimpse to remind us that "this is the man who must die." It's a brilliantly shot, brilliantly acted and brilliantly paced film. Tom Cruise is astonishing as always and I think the many criticisms that I have heard about this film are highly unjust.

rlnutt (2012-05-10 16:36)

They Came So Close...

Being a history buff and reading about Valkyrie and the Colonel thatwas played by Tom Cruise so brilliantly, I was hoping for the best, butexpecting much less... I was wrong! Even from the start when Kenneth Branaugh's character tried to sneak ina bomb in the cognac bottle on Hitler's plane which actually happened,I knew the producers had done their homework.Everything about Cruise's character was accurate down to the missingright hand and missing fingers. Eerily similar physically was Cruise tohis character down to the hairstyle... very well played indeed! I don'tknow how movie goers will react to a psychological thriller set 64years ago, but people should see this movie and see where the world wasback then and how far we've come overall.Those few men and women put it all on the line for their country andpaid for it with their lives. In actuality, over 200 were executed forthat assassination attempt! Well made and well acted... I hope the Academy voters don't overlookthis work; it would be a travesty if they did!

(2012-05-10 11:39)

Honestly Love It, And I'm Picky At That

I think Tom Cruise makes this movie. The acting was phenomenal, there were a lot of very suspenseful scenes which were probably very true to life for what the real rebels went through. They were very brave for what they did. Anyways, great movie, go out and see it.

galahadfairlight (2012-05-09 12:34)

A solid movie with solid performances by all

I seriously do not give a rats ass what Tom Cruise believes in, hisbeliefs are irrelevant to me, and an unbiased paid critic should alsopay them no mind, but having read some of the reviews of this movie bypaid critics, they seriously need to review themselves. Are theysupposed to be critiqueing his life choices, or the movie? I do wondersometimes.The cast list of this movie is phenomenal, a veritable who's who ofBritish actors and of course Tom Cruise with directing handled by BryanSinger.I did wonder which direction this movie was going to take. Much of TomCruises work of recent years has been popcorn movie stuff, same withBryan Singer, but with Valkyrie, the have both treated the subjectmatter with the seriousness it deserves and demands.Much has been made of the cast speaking in English and not German or atthe least with German accents! This is the most ridiculous thing i'veheard in my life. Do I want to be able to follow the movie easily, ordo I want to be distracted because Bill Nighy's German accent islaughably poor, Eddie Izzards accent is comical or Terence Stamp can'tdo the accent and ends up sounding French? I'll opt for the formerthanks. If thats the sum total of peoples complaints, I really do notcare for their thoughts on this movie! Bryan Singer and co haveachieved what Ron Howard with Apollo 13 and James Cameron with Titanicdid, in that we know the outcome before we see a frame of film, yet themovie still has the power to suck us into the story, to wish for adifferent ending, we feel for the characters.If you're reading this and your sole reason for NOT watching it becauseof a harsh review, I urge you to reconsider. That this movie might beslighted by the ramblings of people that are far more interested in TomCruises beliefs, I find quite idiotic. Does anyone avoid a StevenSpielberg movie because he's a Jew? Great performances by the cast, andthat includes Tom Cruise, great direction from Bryan Singer who proveshe's way more capable than just an action director, great sets, andcertainly great effects, for the most part because they are seamlessand very difficult to spot.Do yourself a favour, go see this movie, a pleasant change from popcornfluff.

seansshack (2012-05-09 04:29)

did the movie critics actually watch thus movie?

This was a very entertaining, well constructed film.Too may films these days have simply no reason for being. But this wasa story that needed telling. A story that not all Germans were Nazises.Tom Cruise's performance was cemented by the single scene where helooks at his daughter saluting with the officers cap - exceptionalpiece of acting without dialog.Great story telling. Great acting. Great directing.My advice to critics? Do you job. stop hating cruise and actually watchhis work - not to mention their were other actors/people involved inthis movie that deserve your time. Rather than your star bashingreviews.Go see it.

(2012-05-08 09:04)

A story that needs to be told

Since the close of WWII, Germany has had to bear with its image of a nation of just-following-orders Nazis. Schindler's List told the story of some valorous citizens. Now Valkyrie has done the same with the military, relating the details of a nearly successful conspiracy among a cadre of high ranking officers to assassinate Hitler, overthrow his regime, and end the war. This is an extraordinary film, one in which the suspense builds slowly, always heightened by a sense of foreboding, since we know they will fail. The cast is superb (what a treat to see Terence Stamp again), with the power to convey, mostly nonverbally, the awesome courage required to risk everything for the greater good. Shot in Germany, the visuals capture the cold-blooded essence of Naziism, and the firing squad scenes are particularly effective. Only a few problems stand out. The orchestral score is a fine, unobtrusive one, until the conspiracy begins unravelling, at which point the music grows so tragic that it's cloying. Also, some rather silly lines, such as the one comparing the conspirators to Sodom and Gomorrah's righteous men, occasionally jolt. Though imperfect, however, Valkyrie takes a relatively obscure historical event and brings it into the light with the respect it deserves.

Richard Borkovec (2012-05-02 21:03)

Disturbingly Brilliant

Most of the population knows that Hitler lead Germany into a spiralinggovernment of lies, torment, pain, and his propaganda filed campaignsshunned anything in the last 200 years. I've always been fascinatedwith WWII, Hitler, and how he worked, but I did not once come across"Project Valkyrie" in the research I had done. I was surprised to findthat this movie was more about the German people's attempt to freethemselves and save "Sacred Germany," than just a mere assassinationfilm.Upon hearing some critics saying this is "one of the worst films of2008" and "Tom Cruise's acting is distracting", I was hesitant to seeit, however, the movie delivers on far more levels than it faults on.Sure Tom Cruise is a bit distracting, but only in *maybe* two scenes,but even with those, it is for the movie's drama.At the point in which the movie brings us to the actual attempt, myheart was POUNDING waiting for the explosion. The suspense is crazywith this film; it seems to be at just the right times and is presentedperfectly. The ending, itself, is quite suspenseful, even though youknow the outcome. The last sentence Tom Cruise's character says willhaunt you for weeks to come, I can guarantee it.Overall, this movie definitely deserves some awards. The directing ifphenomenal, the acting is spot on, and the tone couldn't be better.After the showing I watched was over, the entire theater left insilence; maybe for respect of what took place, maybe because of themovie's ending, but I believe it was because of respect. This isdefinitely a must see.

(2012-05-02 14:00)

Straightforward but suspenseful retelling of the plot to kill Hitler

As a straightforward telling of the true life story of the last known assassination attempt on Hitler, in 1944, what this movie lacks in surprises it makes up with more than a dash of style.A stellar cast come together, in a movie with a very traditional feel about it - non showy direction, just telling the story as it was. Tom Cruise is fine as Stauffenberg, with just enough depth to portray the level of charisma the man must surely have had to get as far as he did, and the boldness he must have had to start the whole process with as much confidence as he seems to have had. The rest of the cast is like a who's who of British cinema, reminding the viewer of the classic war movies of old. And the movie really does seem to share a gene pool with those epic war movies recreating real life movies, with the same pros and cons they had. On the plus side, the movie convinces on authenticity. Events appear close to the known facts, without too much embroidering for effect. The budget, though not overblown by today's standards, and fairly small by Cruise' standards, has enough to create some terrific set design - the planes, the settings, the real life locations, and the recreation of the wolf's lair - all help to immerse you in the story. On the minus side, the cast are all worthy, but never outstanding. It's as if they are playing their roles with kid gloves, to be as reverential as possible to people who actually existed. Perhaps with one exception - Bill Nighy portrays the films more ambiguous character, in a role which starts to flesh out some of the anguish that must have been felt building up to what amounted to High Treason. It's a performance which manages to scratch a little beneath the surface of how it would have felt, rather than the bare facts - and yet still treats the character with respect.Kudos to director Bryan Singer then - he has taken a moribund genre (WW II thriller), with a story we know the ending to, and still managed to make something relatively nail biting, and certainly visually satisfying. It's just not got enough depth or originality to join the ranks of the classics.

(2012-05-02 09:04)

Valkyrie

Loved this movie. I also liked the fact that it is based on a true story. I looked up the story about the main character and enjoyed reading more about him and his family. Tom Cruise did a great job, as always.

(2012-05-01 23:12)

Too bad the plot failed to get the mad paperhanger...

This review is from: Valkyrie (Single-Disc Edition) (DVD) We all know the historical outcome, but this movie is worth watching to fill in the details about how the plot was hatched. Unlike many reviews, I did not have a problem with Tom Cruise in the lead role. It is a good movie, but not at the height and depth of character of cast in Downfall starring Bruno Ganz. I wonder how the end of WWII in Europe might have been different if the plot had succeeded...