VALIANT

by Jane Louise Boursaw

Rated G. 109 minutes. Directed by Gary Chapman. Released in theaters Aug. 19, 2005.

Now here’s a family movie that combines fun, facts, and fortitude, all in one package. It tells the story of a spunky little pigeon named Valiant (voiced by Ewan McGregor), who despite his small size, decides to enlist in Great Britain’s elite Royal Homing Pigeon Service (RHPS) during World War II. (In real life, pilots carried these pigeons in cages to send for help in case the plane crashed.)

Valiant is determined to emulate his hero, Gutsy (Hugh Laurie of “House”), and thus endures rigorous training under the strict regimen of Sarge (Jim Broadbent), a decorated war hero. With pigeon troops drawing thin – thanks to brutal attacks by the enemy’s Falcon Brigade, led by General Von Talen (Tim Curry) – the task of delivering a vital message about the enemy’s next move falls to Valiant and the other rag-tag misfit pigeons of “Squad F”.

THE WRAP-UP: This movie drags in spots, but it was still lively enough to keep the five kids I took with me entertained. They also learned something about World War II and the important role that pigeons played during that time. Now that’s something you don’t often get with a kid’s movie these days.

SCORE: 3 out of 4 Reels.

FUN PIGEON FACTS:
- Carrier pigeons are still used during wartime by the French, Swiss, Israeli, Iraqi and Chinese Armies. They’re often faster and more reliable than long-distance radio communication, which can be affected by weather or enemies.
- The highest medal for animal bravery during World War II was the Dickin Medal. Of the 54 Dickin Medals awarded during the war, 32 went to pigeons. One recipient (named “G.I. Joe”) saved a brigade of 1000 men and the entire town of Colovi Vecchia.
- Some military pigeons took photos with chest-mounted cameras. Trained to fly at night, they accompanied planes, paratroopers and submarines, taking pics of the enemy’s fleet, troops and targets.
- Homing pigeons can see over 25 miles and can fly more than 700 miles in a single day.

Jane's Reel Rating System:

One Reel – Pathetic. Even The Force can’t save it.

Two Reels – Tolerable. Coulda been a contender.

Three Reels – Pleasant. Something to talk about.

Four Reels – Wow! The stuff dreams are made of.

E-chat with me at jane@reellifewithjane.com - I LOVE to talk about movies!

Read my other reviews here.