REVIEW: DEVOTION

3.5/5

Top Gunners. 

138 Mins. Starring: Jonathan Majors, Glen Powell, Christina Jackson, Daren Kagasoff, Joe Jonas, Spencer Neville, Nick Hargrove, Serinda Swan & Thomas Sadoski. Director: J.D. Dillard. 

Maverick, major talent Jonathan Majors is on the cusp of another career breakthrough. 'The Last Black Man In San Francisco' breakout actor is about to steal the show with two villainous roles to begin 2023. With the popular 'Ant-Man' (after making his game-conquering debut in the MCU as Kang in 'Loki') and 'Creed' ('III' enters the ring aptly on 03/03/23) franchises, respectively this February and March. But before He Who Remains enters the 'Quantumania' with a knockout, he gives his 'Devotion' to a historical movie set in America's "forgotten war" in Korea. This Sony picture now making its Netflix debut in Japan alongside such major Majors pictures like his coming out party in Spike Lee's 'Da 5 Bloods' with the late, great Chadwick Boseman and the all-black western produced by Jay-Z, 'The Harder They Fall'. 

The aforementioned amazing film saw Jonathan portray real life cowboy Nat Love. Now like Chadwick's early career (Jackie Robinson in '42', James Brown in 'Get On Up', Thurgood Marshall in his last name), Majors compels playing another real-life hero. United States Navy Officer Jesse Brown. The first African-American aviator to complete the United States Navy's basic flight training program. One character remarking that it was like watching Jackie round for home in another moment of history before their eyes down a different path. A recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross. A trailblazer and a pioneer. Majors pays him the most respect and reverence with a real and powerful as such performance. Accented to the time and aware of the raw racism of the age that is not caught in clichés of biopic basics, this man has more than honour. He has a grit as true as Bridges. In his finest hour one motivational moment of this man in the mirror will break your heart. What he does next will stir your soul. But it's this pilots 'Devotion' to his beautiful wife (a wonderful Christina Jackson) and daughter that really takes wing. Like the closing of his letters home that he writes every week. His, not ours, to share. 

But as 'Sleight' and 'Sweetheart's' J.D Dillard dynamic directions take to the same skies of a long-awaited 'Top Gun' sequel (and the Lady Gaga theme that holds your hand), how could we forget wingman of the year, Glen Powell? Not only does this movie frame-for-frame match 'Maverick' in its aerial assaults, a year where the sequel to a 1986 movie ruled the air. It also features Powell himself by Majors' side as real-friend (like the families to this day) Tom Hudner. The 'Hidden Figures' star has plenty of air-miles for America, but 'The Dark Knight Rises' and 'The Expendables 3' bit player is finding his stride. With these two co-pilot films, 2023 was his year. Yet forging a 'Mudbound' like bond with Majors despite the era and expressing just as much emotion as his wingman, Powell hammers home a powerful performance. 

Based on Adam Makos' moving account in the book, 'Devotion: An Epic Story of Heroism, Friendship, and Sacrifice', the comradeship of this compelling cinematic journey is not a wasted history lesson as a standout Thomas Sadoski ('The Newsroom') sums up what really happens to war heroes profoundly. There's playing it safe, 'Memphis Belle' beauty to the purity of this patriotism and inspiration in its intention. Yet, it's not afraid to knock you through an emotional loop like a 'Catch-22'. Just without the blood and guts of most war movies today. Sure, they capture the real brutality of battle, but don't give this one any flack. We need films our kids can see too. Especially with those in power trying to rewrite history in schools. Daren Kagasoff, Spencer Neville, Nick Hargrove and Jonas Brother Joe make the rest of the crew a bantering and brilliant band of brothers. But it's 'Graceland' star Serinda Swan as a perfect Elizabeth Taylor who will stun you with more than disbelief. This true story is one for sure to be seen. And just maybe it will leave us believing in the devotion to a better way once again. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Red Tails', 'Mudbound', 'Top Gun: Maverick'.