Popcorn Panel: 'Amelia'
October 27, 2009
Wait for the DVD
Only missing the sputtering film projector with the loud sound pops, the biopic film "Amelia" plays like a fifth-grade history lesson. There is nothing original in the film detailing the high-flying life of Amelia Earhart, the first woman to complete a solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean. The visual timeline feels staged as it presents the progression of her flying career. There are interesting side stories and characters, but they are insufficient to soar this film past mediocrity. Viewers will miss the expansive cinematography at home, but the exotic landscapes of foreign lands have been seen in better films.
Karl Bayer,
Elgin resident
Skip It
Amelia Earhart was an educated, driven and inspired woman who accomplished her dreams. Two things I find interesting. One, as accomplished as she was, it was then (and still is) a man's world. Approximately only 6 percent of all commercial pilots in the U.S. are women. Secondly, as interesting as Amelia's life was -- you won't see it in this movie. Hilary Swank is dead-on as Amelia. But there's too much personal life nonsense and not enough of what this movie should have been about. So save your money (and two hours of your time) and "wikipedia" Amelia!
Lisa Jo Greindl, West Dundee resident
Wait for the DVD
"Amelia" does well at re-introducing Amelia Earhart to America, but fails to endear her. Historical artifacts such as Ms. Earhart's influence with President Roosevelt, her worldwide celebrity, and the women's pilots clubs of the 1930s are deservedly unearthed for us to see and appreciate. Meanwhile, her portrait is not of a disagreeable person, but is monochromatic and distant. There is very little tension in this film, very little to impassion us, which is unfortunate and ironic because Ms. Earhart loved flying, loved action, loved life. She had passion for chasing audacious, thrilling dreams. I wanted this film to stir us to chase our own -- but it never quite does.
Paul Grote,
Elgin resident
