About the film (courtesy of Lionsgate):
Midway centers on the Battle of Midway, a clash between the American fleet and the Imperial Japanese Navy which marked a pivotal turning point in the Pacific Theater during WWII. The film, based on the real-life events of this heroic feat, tells the story of the leaders and soldiers who used their instincts, fortitude and bravery to overcome the odds.

Midway will most likely appeal to those that enjoy all things WWII related or adjacent. The older the audience, the more appreciative they might be towards Roland Emmerich’s retelling of the Battle of Midway. While the attack on Pearl Harbor is what ultimately pulled the United States into the second World War, it didn’t immediately result in the Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, effectively and definitively ending the war. There were many battles in between with opportunities to recite these stories in grand fashion.

Director Roland Emmerich probably had every good intention in mind as he ventured out to pay homage to those that sacrificed so much during this pivotal point in history. In terms of quality and enjoyment, Midway falls somewhere between The Patriot (2000) and 10,000 BC (2008). There’s a lot to cover here and the pacing is rather brisk but there’s so much going on that you never really get emotionally invested. The visuals are decent but it lacks that “wow factor”.

Then there’s the performances. No one stands out in a way that one could point to he or she and say, “that person was perfectly cast and really added value with what they did.” Instead, we’re given a Ed Skrein in a role that is doomed from the start. His American accent leaves a lot to be desired. It’s like he prepped for this role by watching the film Grease (1978) repeatedly until he convinced himself that he is armed and ready to go.

There are no shortage of stars to help make Midway marketable. Patrick Wilson, Aaron Eckhart, Woody Harrelson, Dennis Quaid, Mandy Moore, Jake Weber, Darren Criss and Nick Jonas are all featured and and sure to pull a few additional butts into those valuable theater seats. That said, with the way that this is executed, anyone could have played these parts.

I’m all for a good war movie or at least an adrenaline fueled action flick, Midway missed on both fronts. Emmerich toes the line too much, vying for worldwide acceptance rather than leaning heavily on what this film is supposed to be about. And it’s in the middle ground that this historical action drama remains. Without taking sides, this just becomes two and a quarter hours of mediocrity.

While not a complete waste of time, Midway refuses to fly high enough to reach its true potential. The only reason to see this in theaters would be if you just have to have that theatrical experience of larger-than-life imagery or the bone shaking sounds that go with a big explosion or rapid large-caliber gunfire, otherwise just save a few bucks and see it a few months down the road at home.