ViewGuide

Created Apr 12, 2011 08:03AM PST • Edited Apr 12, 2011 08:03AM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Good 3.0

   Frank Sinatra stars as Col. Joseph Ryan, an American Army Air Corp pilot in WWII who is shot down in Italy and taken as a prisoner of war in the film Von Ryan’s Express. Although known for his golden voice, he refrains from singing in this action flick, instead flexing his considerable acting skills as the cool American who leads his entire P.O.W. camp on a wild escape attempt using a German train.

   The movie moves at a fairly decent pace after starting out in the camp with the requisite character development. Initially despised by his campmates, he gradually wins them over with his steely resolve and willingness to outsmart his captors.

   Featuring plenty of narrow escapes, the movie is enjoyable watching, although a bit farfetched and implausible at times. If you enjoy WWII films, especially like Stalag 17 or The Great Escape, you will most certainly enjoy this film as well.

4. Acting

   Good 3.0

5. Male Stars Good 3.0

   Sinatra is confident, yet a bit cocky, in his role as the leader of the escape. There is no denying his star power, yet he eventually tones it down as the movie continues.

6. Female Stars Good 3.0

   Raffaelle Carra plays the lone female role, as a captive. Beautiful to a fault, she is relegated to a role that is more confusing to the story than relevant.

7. Female Costars Good 3.0

8. Male Costars Good 3.0

   Nice characters roles here. Trevor Howard in particular, is good in his role as the stodgy British officer who had been ranking commander prior to Ryan’s arrival.

10. Film

    OK 2.5

11. Direction Good 3.0

    Mark Robson does a fine job in creating the adventure, including plot twists that keep the film engaging.

12. Play OK 2.5

13. Music OK 2.5

14. Visuals OK 2.5

    A mixed bag here. Yes, the special effects were a bit cheesy at times. But this was also state-of-the-art and perfectly acceptable for the time period. So, I’ll give it a pass.

15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 1.9

17. Sex Titillating 1.6

    A humerous scene when all the men in the camp burn thier clothing and stand at attention naked. Distant shots of male backsides. Otherwise nothing else.

18. Violence Fierce 2.4

    Wartime violence, although the soldiers seems to be very careful when falling to the ground after being shot.

19. Rudeness Salty 1.6

21. Reality

    Glib 1.4

22. Circumstantial Surreal 2.1

    The premise of the movie is enjoyable, but a bit far fetched.

23. Biological Natural 1.0

24. Physical Natural 1.0