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severnpix
Reviews
Pretty Bird (2008)
Staggering hole in comic possibilities
First I'd ever heard of this film was yesterday when I saw its billing in the British Radio Times magazine for the UK Film4 channel last night. I was intrigued because of the subject matter which is close to my heart. (I have attempted a screenplay covering some similar ground) I was delighted and highly impressed as the movie commenced. The characters and narrative line were compelling. Where would this go? I wondered. Halfway through, despite conflicts and challenges, the grumpy engineer (Paul Giamatti) manages to create a prototype device. Cut to deserted hillside. The three hopeful entrepreneurs are staring at a fourth character we have not met before who is wearing the rocket belt and is about to field test it. Wow. Is this would-be pilot nervous? Fearful? Who knows. Was there a discussion between the three principals as to who would have the honour or terror of being first to try the flying machine? Nope. The test pilot takes it up and flies it successfully, if briefly, then lands again in one piece, and we move on (still never hearing from the flyer). Abruptly the delight and credibility of this story disappeared. Three great central characters who are then sadly left floating in the air by giant holes in the logic of the plot. Highly watchable. Sorry to focus on a spoiler, but it seems the key to what went wrong with a wonderful proposition.