So many war films can be either great, mediocre or terrible while others just fly under the radar without much attention; "Flight of the Intruder" falls into the latter category of being ignored. Truly a shame as this film is more of a drama based around the central characters rather than war itself.
Taking place during the conflict in Vietnam, the film tells the story of a group of pilots and their daily lives serving their country. The film examines much of what goes on behind the scenes for the pilots while observing them in combat as well.
The central character is pilot Lt. Jake Grafton (codename: Cool Hand), a brash but talented young man who goes through numerous trials as a Navyman from being embroiled in one of America's most contentious wars to losing his wing-man during one mission to a contentious relationship with his superior officer and new senior co-pilot. Portrayed with believable vulnerability by Brad Johnson, the actor brings a cocky charisma that makes Jake likable despite his arrogance. Johnson keeps the character grounded in reality as Jake must cope with loss when his co-pilot 'Morg (Christopher Rich)' dies and butts heads with his superiors yet Jake matures throughout the film.
Playing Jake's new co-pilot, Lt. Cmdr. Virgil 'Tiger' Cole, following Morg's death is the ever reliant Willem Dafoe. Lt. Cmdr. Cole is a seasoned Navy pilot, as he constantly reminds Jake Grafton early in their partnership, and is a straight-arrow but proves he is willing to bend the rules when called upon. The character is almost reminiscent of Dafoe's role as Sergeant Elias in "Platoon" except Cole is more reserved than the outgoing personality of Elias, but Cole does look out for the younger officers similar to how Elias treats Chris Taylor in "Platoon". Dafoe brings his mentor-like wisdom to Cole in addition to a battle-weary exterior and a selfless demeanor particularly in the film's explosive finale when everything rests on the combat veteran's shoulders to aid his comrades.
As Grafton and Cole's superior officer, Commander Frank Camparelli, is seasoned actor Danny Glover. Glover plays the character as a no-nonsense hard-nose and stickler for the rules, but secretly has a soft side for the men under his command. Camparelli is particularly hard on Jake and Virgil; Jake due to his brash actions and Virgil for his compliance in the younger officers' escapades. However Camparelli displays his compassion in the face of hardship such as the death of Grafton's co-pilot. He is also skilled in combat as seen in the final act of the film as Camparelli follows Grafton and Cole on their final assignment.
Truly an under-appreciated film that should be experienced by all.
Taking place during the conflict in Vietnam, the film tells the story of a group of pilots and their daily lives serving their country. The film examines much of what goes on behind the scenes for the pilots while observing them in combat as well.
The central character is pilot Lt. Jake Grafton (codename: Cool Hand), a brash but talented young man who goes through numerous trials as a Navyman from being embroiled in one of America's most contentious wars to losing his wing-man during one mission to a contentious relationship with his superior officer and new senior co-pilot. Portrayed with believable vulnerability by Brad Johnson, the actor brings a cocky charisma that makes Jake likable despite his arrogance. Johnson keeps the character grounded in reality as Jake must cope with loss when his co-pilot 'Morg (Christopher Rich)' dies and butts heads with his superiors yet Jake matures throughout the film.
Playing Jake's new co-pilot, Lt. Cmdr. Virgil 'Tiger' Cole, following Morg's death is the ever reliant Willem Dafoe. Lt. Cmdr. Cole is a seasoned Navy pilot, as he constantly reminds Jake Grafton early in their partnership, and is a straight-arrow but proves he is willing to bend the rules when called upon. The character is almost reminiscent of Dafoe's role as Sergeant Elias in "Platoon" except Cole is more reserved than the outgoing personality of Elias, but Cole does look out for the younger officers similar to how Elias treats Chris Taylor in "Platoon". Dafoe brings his mentor-like wisdom to Cole in addition to a battle-weary exterior and a selfless demeanor particularly in the film's explosive finale when everything rests on the combat veteran's shoulders to aid his comrades.
As Grafton and Cole's superior officer, Commander Frank Camparelli, is seasoned actor Danny Glover. Glover plays the character as a no-nonsense hard-nose and stickler for the rules, but secretly has a soft side for the men under his command. Camparelli is particularly hard on Jake and Virgil; Jake due to his brash actions and Virgil for his compliance in the younger officers' escapades. However Camparelli displays his compassion in the face of hardship such as the death of Grafton's co-pilot. He is also skilled in combat as seen in the final act of the film as Camparelli follows Grafton and Cole on their final assignment.
Truly an under-appreciated film that should be experienced by all.