Rescue Dawn

Rating: 9

I disagree with some reviews I've read saying Rescue Dawn is redundant for those who have seen the documentary it was based on, Little Dieter Needs to fly. On the contrary, I think both films compliment one another beautifully. This is simply a great adventure story, and the actors approach it with rare determination. Herzog seems to take glee in torturing his performers but it isn't without purpose - I heard him say in an interview that in this age of ubiquitous CG effects, he wants audiences to be able trust their eyes again.

Oh, and one more thing: if you thought Christian Bale's skinniness in The Machinist was impressive, you'll enjoy the skeletal Jeremy Davies as Gene from Eugene (pictured in the background above.)