David Perry

While the visual effects are stunning, the acting, especially that of Austin Butler, don't do justice to what should have been a stirring story of bravery in the face of almost certain death. To be clear, it is worth watching for the aerial scenes but Austin Butler seems to be trying to deliver a reprise of his role as Elvis Presley, which I also found wanting. At any moment I expect him to bat his eyes and say "Thank you, thank you very much" in a low garbled voice that needs closed captioning in order to be able to decipher it. A compelling series should be more about the story, rather than the characters. The overall confidence of these young men is unrealistic considering the reality of what they were facing. Comparing Masters of the Air to Band of Brothers or The Pacific is an exercise in futility. The latter two were works of art, while the former is a beefcake parade with fireworks at best.