The Finest Hours - Movie Release

The Finest Hours, an action/hero thriller, opened this past weekend. It is a true story of the most daring rescue mission in the history of the Coast Guard. Released in Digital 3D™, Real D 3D and IMAX® 3D, the film is full of action, adventure, and heart.

I was not familiar with the true story from February 18, 1952, when a massive nor’easter struck New England and created massive havoc on ships in its path, including the SS Pendleton, a T-2 oil tanker bound for Boston. It was literally ripped in half, trapping more than 30 sailors inside. I’m a big fan of Casey Affleck, who plays the senior officer on board, Ray Sybert. He takes charge of a terrifying situation and brings the crew together to ride out the massive storm. When the U.S. Coast Guard station in Massachusetts learns of the disaster at sea, Officer Daniel Cluff (played awesomely by Eric Bana) a rescue operation for the stranded men.

This story seems as if it could only have been conceived as a movie, so it’s fascinating to realize this was a true story about brave men. Led by Coast Guard Captain Bernie Webber (played by the lovable Chris Pine), they head out in a wood lifeboat, with no navigation, freezing temps, and 60-foot high waves, not to mention hurricane-force winds, on a rescue mission.

For a thrilling, action-packed movie, the special effects didn’t take away from the storytelling. If anything, it added layers to a harrowing story that is a worthy experience.