A Scientist at the Movies Reviews by Greg Paris

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Title: Valiant

Date Viewed: 8/28/05

Details:

Voice talent: Ewan McGregor

Tim Curry

Jim Broadbent

Hugh Laurie

John Cleese

John Hurt

Director: Gary Chapman

Score: 0

The Review: It's May 1944, and Valiant would have you believe that the decision to route the Allied invasion to Normandy was delivered by carrier pigeon. A carrier pigeon named Valiant, no less. A stretch, perhaps, not wholly without entertainment merit, but neither clever nor very interesting.

In one sense, Valiant shows a parallel universe -- the animal cadre supporting both Axis and Allied efforts, with an avian focus: pigeons, falcons, seagulls, mice, with a few houseflies in supporting roles -- with some marginal (but important) overlap with ours -- a few B-17 Flying Fortress bombers, a fleet of battleships, a motorcycle courier.

One of the more clever bits is von Talon's (Curry) initiation of torture by yodeling against an erstwhile British pigeon. It'll get 'em every time!

Partially inspired by the Dicken Medal, the animal equivalent to Britain's Victoria Cross, which was awarded to several carrier pigeons for their services in WW-II.

(3-Oct-05)

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