Review by John Delia
One of the most visually spectacular sea stories The Finest Hours shows the courage, determination and stamina of a small crew of Coast Guardsmen who faced death during rescue operation in a raging storm. Now on Blu-ray/DVD or in a special combo pack. the depiction of the factual account gets so realistic and powerful that it will put you on the edge of your living room chair. The cinematography and CGI take you for a scary rollercoaster ride on huge waves during a tempest that’s one of the most remarkable piece of film footage for the screen.
The story takes us back to the year 1952 New England where a huge storm has reached the shores and are threatening ships at sea. Caught up in the fierce freak of nature are boats that are being pummeled by waves the size of downtown buildings. One of those is an oil tanker the SS Pendleton a massive freighter with over 30 crewmembers aboard. Sliced in half by a massive groundswell, the stern still remains afloat where engine operator Ray Sybert (Casey Affleck) has taken command.
On shore the US Coastguard gets the message about the critical condition of the Pendleton. With the storm still intense Chief Warrant Officer Daniel Cluff (Eric Bana), although new to the shores of New England, makes a decision to send a Coast Guard Lifeboat to the stricken Pendleton. Lead by Boatswains Mate First Class Bernie Webber (Chris Pine) and his crew Seaman Richard Lively (Ben Foster) and two other seamen, they head into the vicious waters intent on saving lives.
The film takes you inside the stricken ship that has become a tomb of sorts with only a spark of hope to save the men on board. The Coast Guard boat on the way to try the impossible is going up against unfavorable odds where they may be killed in the attempt. Director Craig Gillespie (Million Dollar Arm) takes the helm of this colossal undertaking and comes up a winner. He tells the story in dramatic fashion using his fine cast to deliver the impact that the true story offers. The stellar performances by the players and the amazing photography, sets and costumes combined with CGI make Gillespie’s film an extraordinary adventure.
The movie has a few side stories of which are usual in most adventure movies to flesh out characters that lead the action. To show a weak side to Bernie the film inserts a flaw based on his past inability to save the men on a boat that was stranded off the coast of Boston in a previous horrendous storm. Adding to the effect on his character, Bernie has become engaged to Miriam (Holliday Grainger) who fears for his life and adds compelling drama to the film. Most all of American made films have Hollywood touches to show the human side of their heroes and both are nicely done in The Finest Hour.
The acting by the two main heroes, Chris Pine and Casey Affleck is exceptionally good. Both have equal time in the film and make their characters gripping and courageous. While Pine has the duty to show Bernie’s determination to rise above his past, Affleck’s Sybert has to take command of what’s left of the Pendleton under duress from the chain of command leader Tchuda Southerland (Josh Stewart). He pushes his crew to the brink as he attempts the unmanageable, moving half a ship without a bow attempting to scuttle it till help arrives. Showing Sybert’s persistence and leadership Affleck actually steals the show.
BONUS EXTRAS:
The following special features are included only in the Blu-ray Combo Pack, Digital HD, Digital SD, and Disney Movies Anywhere
“AGAINST ALL ODDS: THE BERNIE WEBBER STORY†In this feature you’ll visit the quaint and close-knit town of Chatham, and experience the events surrounding the most heroic Coast Guard rescue ever through the eyes of the people who witnessed them.
“BROTHERHOOD†Cast members reflect on the bonds they forged during the shoot.
“TWO CREWS†Chris Pine and Casey Affleck share insights into Bernie Webber and Ray Sybert, the men who led their respective crews against all odds.
“WHAT IS YOUR FINEST HOUR?†A Coast Guard member recounts an incredible rescue in this special extra.
“THE FINEST INSPIRATION: THE U.S. COAST GUARDâ€Â Meet the people who put their lives on the line for others.
“DELETED SCENESâ€
The DVD special features include:
“BROTHERHOODâ€Â Cast members reflect on the bonds they forged during the shoot.
“THE FINEST INSPIRATION: THE U.S. COAST GUARDâ€Â Meet the people who put their lives on the line for others.
The Finest Hours has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for intense sequences of peril. Watching it on your home theater you’ll be up close to all the action. You may want to watch the film first if you have young immature children as the intensity rises as the film goes on.ÂÂ
FINAL ANALYSIS: A very good film with an amazing story and cinematography that shows the courage of our Coast Guard heroes. (B+)
Specifications and additional video information:
Chris Pine, Holliday Grainger, Casey Affleck, Ben Foster, Eric Bana, John Ortiz, John Magaro, Josh Stewart, Kyle Gallner, Beau Knapp, Graham McTavish
Directed by: Craig Gillespie
Genre: Action, Drama, History
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of peril
Running Time: 1 hr. 57 min.
Original Theatrical Release Date: January 29, 2016
Video Release Date: May 24, 2016
Language: English (other language tracks French and Spanish)
Reviewed Format: Blu-ray + Digital HD
Audio: English 7.1 DTS-HDMA
Video: 1080p HD Widescreen, Aspect Ratio 2.39:1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French
Number of Discs: 1 Disk + HD Download Code
Available Formats: Blu-ray Combo Pack, Digital HD, Digital SD, Disney Movies Anywhere
Distributed by: Buena Vista Home Entertainment