U-571 -- *** -- Matthew McConaughey, Harvey Keitel, Bill Paxton, Jake Weber, Jon Bon Jovi, Jack Noseworthy, Erik Palladino, T.C. Carson, David Keith; in English and German, with English subtitles; rated PG-13 (violence, profanity); Carmike 12 and Ritz 15 Theaters; Century Theatres 16; Cinemark Jordan Landing Theaters; Loews Cineplex Holladay Center, Midvalley, South Towne Center, Trolley Corners and Trolley North Cinemas; Redwood Drive-in (with "Pitch Black").
As far as recent war movies go, "U-571" is no "Saving Private Ryan." And the film definitely isn't on par with such classic submarine thrillers as "Das Boot."In all honesty, this World War II-era thriller can best be described as pure Hollywood hokum, with a conveniently revisionist premise that obliterates historical fact and a script so full of holes that it's a wonder the whole thing didn't sink without a trace.
Yet, the movie is so well-made and so extremely suspenseful, that all of those problems really don't matter in the end.
Just don't go into the theater expecting a complex examination of wartime politics. If you do, you're certain to be disappointed.
Instead, just sit back and admire the film for what it is -- a surprisingly gripping little thriller that doesn't pretend to be anything else.
It's a particularly good choice for director Jonathan Mostow, whose 1997 film "Breakdown" was at least a bit underrated. (Again, it's one of those movies that's good for what it is.)
Mostow has also put together a good cast, which includes Matthew McConaughey, who stars as U.S. Navy Lt. Andrew Tyler, the executive officer of the S-33, a vintage sub that's seen better days.
So has Tyler. Smarting because he was passed over for a promotion, he bears a grudge against his commanding officer (Bill Paxton). But he's not about to let that get in the way of his duties, especially when the crew of the S-33 is dispatched on a dangerous mission.
The details of that mission are top secret, and a pair of tight-lipped officers -- Lt. Hirsch (Jake Weber) and U.S. Marine Major Coonan (David Keith) -- aren't about to leak that information until it's absolutely necessary.
When they finally do, it's a big revelation. The orders are for the crew to impersonate a Nazi U-boat and then rendezvous with -- and overpower -- a disabled German craft that's carrying the Enigma encryption device.
All seems to go well until another U-boat shows up and sinks the S-33. Still committed to the mission, Tyler and a handful of survivors must then try to get the crippled craft running and pilot it through the heart of enemy waters.
Again, it plays fast-and-loose with the facts, but it is a decent premise and one that Mostow and two other screenwriters (including his "Breakdown" collaborator Sam Montgomery) have put to good use.
But where Mostow's talents really shine are as director, especially in his staging and pacing. There are a pair of sea battles that are real nail-biters, and the action never stops from minute one.
He also gets good performances from his cast, including McConaughey, who brings a brooding intensity to his role, and Harvey Keitel, who makes the most of a surprisingly meaty supporting role. (Paxton, Weber and singer-turned-actor Jon Bon Jovi also get individual moments, though Mostow has wisely made it an ensemble piece.)
"U-571" is rated PG-13 for wartime violence (including gunplay and underwater battles) and occasional use of profanity. Running time: 116 minutes.
You can reach Jeff Vice by e-mail at jeff@desnews.com