Roanoke, VA
January 11, 2025
This is not one of my normal articles. This is a review of a late-night low-budget movie I came across on YouTube.
"Flight World War II" is a 2015 war film directed by Emile Edwin Smith, which blends science fiction with historical drama. The plot revolves around a modern-day commercial flight that mysteriously travels back in time to 1940s France during World War II. The movie stars Faran Tahir, Robbie Kay, and Josh Collins, among others, and attempts to weave an engaging narrative around the concept of time travel amidst the backdrop of one of history's largest conflicts.
The story kicks off with Flight 42, piloted by Captain William Strong (Faran Tahir), encountering a bizarre storm that catapults the airplane and its passengers into the thick of World War II. Once in 1940s France, the passengers, including a skeptical air marshal (Robbie Kay) and a history enthusiast (Josh Collins), must navigate through enemy territory, ally with the French resistance, and find a way back to their time. The narrative explores themes of bravery, alliance, and the moral complexities of war.
"Flight World War II" is a film that, despite its evidently low budget, manages to deliver an intriguing mix of genres. The cinematography does well to evoke the era, though the special effects and set pieces occasionally betray the film's financial constraints. The acting, particularly from the lead cast, is commendable given the script's demands for both dramatic and action-oriented sequences.
The plot's twist regarding the identity of Nigel, one of the passengers, adds a thrilling dimension to the narrative. The film cleverly uses this twist to keep the audience guessing, playing with expectations about allegiances and the nature of the time-travel mishap. The director's choice to maintain this ambiguity until the climax showcases a level of storytelling sophistication not always found in films of this budget.
However, the film does stumble with some predictable plot points and occasionally stilted dialogue, which can pull viewers out of the immersion. The time-travel mechanics are somewhat glossed over, serving more as a plot device than a well-explained phenomenon, which might leave some viewers unsatisfied.
Personally, I found "Flight World War II" to be a fantastic war movie. While it's clear that the budget was not on par with Hollywood blockbusters, the film's execution was very well done. The acting stood out, particularly in the context of the film's scope, maintaining viewer engagement throughout. The twist at the end where I thought Nigel might be part of a German ruse was brilliantly handled, showcasing the director's commitment to an unexpected narrative curve.
The tension of whether Nigel's son could predict the flight's success or even its survival added a layer of suspense that was gripping. One of the best moments was the concluding line, "That's what allies are for," symbolizing the unity and camaraderie that transcends time, leaving a patriotic and emotional resonance with the audience. 🇬🇧 🤝 🇺🇸
"Flight World War II" might not redefine the war or sci-fi genre, but it offers an entertaining and thought-provoking experience. It's a testament to what can be achieved with creativity and passion over sheer financial power. For those who appreciate a blend of historical context with speculative fiction, this movie serves up an enjoyable, if not entirely polished, adventure through time.
You can check out the movie yourself at YouTube: Flight World War II | Full Sci-Fi Adventure Movie - YouTube
