The Blue Angels

Greetings again from the darkness. My preferred method of movie watching means no trailer to set the stage prior to the lights dimming. Sometimes this leaves my assumptions a bit off-track, which can result in either a pleasant surprise or a bit of disappointment. Acknowledging that The Blue Angels seem tailor-made for an IMAX presentation, I was prepared for a combination of cool photography and a history lesson. The surprise here was that filmmaker Paul Crowder (probably best known as the Editor for Ron Howard's 2017 Beatles documentary) chose to only dabble in the history and instead focus on a single performance season of one team.

Without a doubt, the camera work is spectacular and takes full advantage of the IMAX screen. Some of the shots are breathtaking, and yet the awe generated by the actual technical maneuvers performed (regularly) by the team somehow eclipses what would otherwise be more than enough to keep us engaged. Crowder takes us into the prep room as the new team members study techniques that if performed incorrectly, could result in death. Six Navy and one Marine pilot make up each team, and these pilots enter as well-trained and then take it up a notch.

We do learn The Blue Angels were established in 1946 by Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Chester Nimitz, a Commander of Allied forces during WWII. His original mission for the team remains in place today. The Blue Angels are really a marketing device with a dual purpose: to convince taxpayers that their money is well spent and to motivate youngsters to pursue a career as a Navy pilot. Yes, it's every bit the recruiting tool of the TOP GUN movies, as The Blue Angels perform 60 aerial shows for hundreds of thousands of spectators around the country each year. If you are curious, this year's budget for The Blue Angels is $36 million straight from the Department of Defense by way of tax dollars. You might ask if that's a legitimate use of defense funds, but this movie is not going to answer that or even address it.

The behind-the-scenes and up-close analysis of the pilots and the program is quite impressive, and a hierarchy exists, as one would expect in the military. They are now flying Boeing F/A 18E/F Super Hornets, and the precision involved with their aerial maneuvers is mind-boggling. I won't give it away other than to say inches are involved at 400 mph, making these visuals look like something out of a video game, rather than the actual sky with actual jets and actual pilots. While we aren't allowed much insight into the maintenance of the jets, Crowder does emphasize how many are included on the total team. We learn about the 28 deaths that have occurred in the program over the years, and the final act revolves around the selection of the new team (including the first woman, Lt. Amanda Lee) and the transition of leadership. Like the flying, it's all very precise. One thing becomes quite clear, they are all ... "happy to be here."

THE BLUE ANGELS is playing for one week at IMAX theaters through May 23, 2024, and streaming on Prime Video beginning May 23.

Decided just an hour before showing time to take kids into the new IMAX in our city to see this. Youngest has had mind polluted by Van Halen Blue Angel videos, so was easy sell.

Spectacular filming and as complete a capture of the various 'moves' and associated performances by the Blue Angels as you could expect. From about every angle. Worth it to see just for that. But it gave a fairly good insight into the cycle of induction/training/airshow events/handover for the Blue Angels, and an excellent snapshot of the focus, capability and teamwork attitude of the Blue Angels, mainly from the aircrew perspective. If they had more time, they could have beefed up groundcrew, though their essential role and integration was covered.

All the individuals they covered were just made for this film. A varied but cohesive team, well led.

I came out thrilled and inspired, an example of the pursuit of excellence in an environment where humility is trumping the ego.

The narrative between servicemen and women is a bit hard to follow sometimes, what with a bit of jargon and fast pilot talk, but the single person speaking is fine.

If you're up for a bit of inspiration and thrill, definitely do it. If you need to empty your ignorance quota, and see a bit what high standards service personnel can attain, see it. If you want some entertainment, also see it.

This is a really great docu! Fort Smith, AR used to get these amazing pilots right here, flying over our house. In person, they are awe inspiring! This docu shows how hard they work to give the rest of us an amazing demo to those of us on the ground. The teamwork is incredibly precise and they all make it seem easy that which unbelievably difficult. If you want to see what teamwork really looks like, this film will give you no doubt about it. Watching this in a film will give me a better understanding of who these hardworking pilots really are, their dedication, as well as the joy one sees on the audience's face as they watch the precision and the heritage of The Blue Angels.

These pilots are truly amazing. They must have nerves of steel. I cannot believe they come 12 inches from one another. I watched it on prime. Would have been great to see it on IMax. I liked seeing how they run through the show at the table and how it has to become second nature to them. My brother was on the maintenance team for several years and I was fortunate to see behind the scenes at several shows. They are truly a top notch operation. You have to appreciate their dedication to share their skill with the nation. The travel schedule is rigorous. It was interesting to see how it affects their families.

I was fortunate to spend 3 years of my navy enlistment with the Blue Angels. The movie is spot on and you some of the insights on how a team becomes successful. Glad to be here! It's more than just talking points. It's a sincere appreciation of living in the moment. The team is the real deal. Hardest days in El Centro but it was well worth it and this movie gives you a backstage pass. If you are a fan of the Blue Angels or aviation, you will love this movie. I missed it on IMAX but caught it on Prime. Would have been amazing to see at an IMAX theater but a nice home theater does the trick. Turn up your volume!!