D.C. MOVIE GUYS

If you want a good Nazi flick for Christmas, then the Bryan Singer directed “Valkyrie” delivers. Tom Cruise as Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg leads a usual suspects list of British actors (Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson, Kenneth Branagh, Terrance Stamp, Kevin McNally and Eddie Izzard) in plot to assassinate Hitler from within the ranks of Hitler’s own army and government. This true story written for the big screen by Christopher McQuarrie and Nathan Alexander provides fact driven suspense that does an excellent job of keeping the audience wondering what’s next, even though the final outcome is known. Even though “Valkyrie” is heavy with historical facts, it remains entertaining.

Tom Cruise’s Colonel Stauffenberg shows strength and empathy as a military leader willing to put the needs of the world, his country and soldiers in his command over his own and even those of his family. What “Valkyrie” lacks is a method for Mr. Cruise to reveal Stauffenberg and his motives more completely. There are a few very brief but telling scenes showing Cruise’s Stauffenberg with his soldiers and his family, but not enough to tell the compelling story that appears to be there. Tom Cruise seems held back in a role that could have been much more for him. He obviously found a soul for Stauffenberg but he isn’t allowed to reveal it much because the story focuses more on the intrigue and plot rather than the humanity and character of the people behind it. While strong plot but weak character would be fine if the movie were narrated by Bill Curtis and shown repeatedly on the History Channel, it is perhaps the greatest flaw in “Valkyrie”.

An ensemble cast of U.K. born actors playing Germans surrounds Cruise to help or hinder the Hitler assassination plot. Terence Stamp portrays Ludwig Beck, the proposed Head of State for Germany should Hitler be killed and the Nazis made to kneel before him. Beck was previously Germany’s Chief of the General Staff before WWII, and while his military history is made known in the film his character is given only a little focus. Stamp still wonderfully shows both Beck’s hope and his tremendous burden. Bill Nighy as General Friedrich Olbricht and Tom Wilkinson as General Friedrich Fromm also provide their usual exemplary performances. The entire cast of “Valkyrie” provides nothing less than perfection for the roles they are given. However, the cast seems shorted somehow as they all try to burst forth from a story constraining their larger talents.

Perhaps Singer, McQuarrie and Alexander were worried about opening opportunities for complaints of inaccuracy by adding more character to their plot driven movie. This absence alone seems to be what keeps this good movie from being great. Perhaps the best “Valkyrie” has to offer is a bit of excitement over what Tom Cruise will do next because he shows so much promise beyond with this film allowed him to do. “Valkyrie” is a good movie and worth the holiday dollars for a trip to the theater, but go to enjoy the movie, not to be blown out of your seat.

Rating:

“Valkyrie”  is rated PG-13 for violence and brief strong language.