A wing and a prayer.
Legends of Flight (2010): 5 out of 10: is a 2010 IMAX documentary film directed by Stephen Low that delves into the then brief history of the Boeing 787 “Dreamliner.” While the film aims to capture the essence of modern aviation and the journey of the Boeing 787, it falls short in some crucial areas.
The documentary predominantly focuses on the development and first flight of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which, even thirteen years after the movie’s release, has yet to become a true legend of flight or even a particularly profitable venture. The film attempts to showcase the innovative design and advanced technology of the aircraft, but struggles to provide an engaging narrative or genuine depth.
The CGI is weak in this one.
One of the most significant drawbacks of ‘Legends of Flight’ is the over-reliance on computer-generated imagery (CGI) to illustrate various aspects of the aircraft’s design, performance, and manufacturing process. Unfortunately, the CGI is not of the highest quality and detracts from the overall experience. For a documentary with the potential to inspire awe and admiration for human ingenuity and aviation advancements, it’s disappointing to see subpar visuals in an IMAX film.
Furthermore, the film lacks a strong narrative structure and fails to delve deeper into the historical context, technological innovations, and industry implications of the Boeing 787. This lack of depth and exploration leaves the audience with a shallow understanding of the aircraft’s significance, and the film feels more like an extended promotional video than a comprehensive documentary.
The Good
Despite its shortcomings, ‘Legends of Flight’ has its merits. The film features interviews with industry experts and engineers, which provide some interesting insights into the development of the Boeing 787. Additionally, the aerial footage of various aircraft in flight is captivating and offers a visual treat for aviation enthusiasts. (When they use real aircraft. Unfortunately CGI rears its head here as well)
In Conclusion
In conclusion, ‘Legends of Flight’ is a documentary that tries to capture the spirit of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner but ultimately falls short due to subpar CGI and a lack of depth in its storytelling. While it may appeal to some aviation enthusiasts, the film does not live up to its potential as an informative and visually stunning IMAX experience.
