Fighter Pilot - Operation Red Flag (2004)

56% of critics liked it
(16 reviews)
68% of users liked it
(1,274 ratings)

The excitement and danger that is part of an air-force pilot's training dominates this visually exciting documentary, shot and initially exhibited in the large-format IMAX film format. Inspired by the exploits of the pilot's grandfather, a Marine flyer who served in World War II, Fighter Pilot:… More The excitement and danger that is part of an air-force pilot's training dominates this visually exciting documentary, shot and initially exhibited in the large-format IMAX film format. Inspired by the exploits of the pilot's grandfather, a Marine flyer who served in World War II, Fighter Pilot: Operation Red is the story of John C. Stratton, a captain in the United States Air Force who is eager to become a fighter pilot. With this goal in mind, Stratton's superiors assign him to Red Flag, an intensive training program at Nevada's Nellis Air Force Base. Red Flag puts young pilots through a rigorous series of flight exercises which closely simulate airborne combat conditions, and this documentary puts the viewer beside Stratton in the cockpit as he faces off against as many as 100 other jets flying in close pattern exercises. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: G, 40 min.
Directed By: Stephen Low
Written By: Denny Kuhr, Stephen Low, Joe Stanley
Genres: Documentary, Musical & Performing Arts, Special Interest

In Theaters: Dec 4, 2004 Limited
On DVD: Sep 27, 2005
Studio: Stephen Low Distribution

Critic Reviews

Jeff Strickler, Minneapolis Star Tribune
The movie is something of a throwback to the early days of Imax, when the emphasis was more on awing audiences with technology that made us feel as if we actually were in the picture.
Bruce Westbrook, Houston Chronicle
The titular operation often yanks the film from big-screen sensation to a pedantic look at military procedures best suited to a TV documentary.
Kevin Crust, Los Angeles Times
An interesting overview of the unique-in-its-scope training exercise.
Michael Rechtshaffen, Hollywood Reporter
Factor in the thunderous digital surround sound, and the only thing missing is the smell of jet fuel.
Philip Wuntch, Dallas Morning News
The film is less sure-footed when on the ground, but the stunning aerobatics will blow you away, while the close-ups enhance the sense of intimacy and urgency.
Robert Dominguez, New York Daily News
An IMAX film highlighted by exhilarating sequences of simulated aerial combat.
Chris Hewitt (St. Paul), St. Paul Pioneer Press
Timing has not been kind to Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag, a well-made movie coming out when rah-rah militarism isn't an easy sell.
Lawrence Toppman, Charlotte Observer
The movie's main strength is that it conveys what we might feel blasting along at 600 mph, flying under the radar, almost skimming desert rocks.
Jim Carnes, Sacramento Bee
It's curiously uninvolving for any viewer who is not already into military flight or video games.
Ross Anthony, Hollywood Report Card
The film flies the fine line between edutainment and propaganda for the Air Force. Could have used more excitement, but still pretty interesting, and has its moments.
Elias Savada, Film Threat
Fighter Pilot is a mere snippet of entertainment, enlightening in the oversized format, but underwhelming as a thrill ride.
, E! Online
Flies as a tribute to these heroic folks and provides a rare supersize peek at the teamwork and dangers involved in flight training.

Read all 12 critic reviews

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