Finest Hours, The (5/24/2016)

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of peril.

Starring Chris Pine, Casey Affleck, Eric Bana, Holliday Grainger and Ben Foster

Directed by Craig Gillespie (Million Dollar Arm)

Disney plus a true story about military bravery with Chris Pine…yes please!

A heroic action-thriller, The Finest Hours is the remarkable true story of the greatest small boat rescue in Coast Guard history. The film will transport audiences to the heart of the action, creating a fully-immersive cinematic experience on an epic scale. On February 18, 1952, a massive nor’easter struck New England, pummeling towns along the Eastern seaboard and wreaking havoc on the ships caught in its deadly path, including the SS Pendleton, a T-2 oil tanker bound for Boston, which was literally ripped in half, trapping more than 30 sailors inside its rapidly-sinking stern. As the senior officer on board, first assistant engineer Ray Sybert (Casey Affleck) soon realizes it is up to him to take charge of the frightened crew and inspire the men to set aside their differences and work together to ride out one of the worst storms to ever hit the East Coast. Meanwhile, as word of the disaster reaches the U.S. Coast Guard station in Chatham, Massachusetts, Warrant Officer Daniel Cluff (Eric Bana) orders a daring operation to rescue the stranded men. Despite overwhelming odds, four men, led by Coast Guard Captain Bernie Webber (Chris Pine), set out in a wooden lifeboat with an ill-equipped engine and little, if any, means of navigation, facing frigid temperatures, 60-foot high waves and hurricane-force winds.

The story is an incredible one. Watching the tanker break apart and the crew come together to overcome certain death is inspiring and awesome. The storm is massive and the ship is impressive, but it’s the characters that make The Finest Hours so fine.

Speaking of characters, Chris Pine plays Bernie Webber flawlessly. Most of his previous roles range from overconfident to arrogant, so to see him play this meek and humble coast guard captain was refreshing. Casey Affleck is so strong as well. He plays Ray, a confident sailor who has to prove himself and every decision from beginning to end. I loved watching him hold it together and lead with an admirable strength. Eric Bana and Ben Foster have smaller roles but deliver them perfectly.

I was thoroughly impressed with director Craig Gillespie. He manages to balance a very talented cast, impressive special effects and heavy script all while staying true to an incredible story.

I loved the The Finest Hours from beginning to end. It’s definitely “Theater Worthy.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There are some intense moments, but this one should be fine for most teenagers.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. What are some qualities Captain Bernie Webber demonstrates in the film?


2. How did those qualities help him and the men of the tanker?

Read Proverbs 11:3

The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.


3. How can your integrity guide you this week when you face a difficult decision?