Called to Duty – Film Review

From the moment the opening credits rolled, Called to Duty seemed to promise a thrilling aviation adventure, showcasing a squadron of talented female Navy air show pilots. However, as the film unfolded, it became apparent that what we were served was nothing more than a stale and uninspired imitation of countless other war and action films. Directed by Ashley L. Gibson, Called to Duty falls short on multiple fronts, delivering a plot so generic and predictable that it struggles to keep the audience engaged.

The story revolves around a squadron of female Navy air show pilots who are suddenly thrust into the throes of battle. Right from the get-go, the plot’s lack of originality is evident. The film’s premise mirrors the age-old formula of mismatched individuals coming together to overcome adversity, a cliché that has been done to death in the world of cinema. As the story unfolds, it becomes disappointingly apparent that there are no unexpected twists or gripping moments to elevate the narrative beyond its uninspired core.

Called to Duty suffers from a severe lack of character development, leaving the audience feeling detached from the protagonists. The female pilots, portrayed by Susannah Jane, Brandi Mosko, Cabrina Collesides, and Toni Ann Gisondi, are reduced to one-dimensional stereotypes without any depth or complexity. Their interactions with one another and with the male pilot feel forced and artificial, devoid of genuine chemistry. Moreover, the film misses a golden opportunity to delve into the challenges faced by women in the military, opting instead to gloss over potentially compelling themes in favor of unremarkable action sequences.

As the story unfolds, the film’s attempts to evoke a sense of camaraderie and friendship among the characters fall flat. The dialogue feels stilted and contrived, and the interactions lack the natural banter that could have made the characters more relatable. Viewers are left yearning for meaningful connections between the protagonists, a vital aspect of any war movie that this film fails to deliver.

What truly compounds Called to Duty‘s problems is its blatant and shameless replication of Top Gun: Maverick. Everything, from the film’s aerial combat sequences to its poster design, bears an unmistakable resemblance to the iconic Top Gun franchise. While taking inspiration from successful movies is not inherently bad, Called to Duty goes beyond homage and ventures into the territory of a full-blown rip-off. The lack of originality is jarring and hinders the film’s ability to stand on its own.

Even the performances from the cast, including Joseph Baena, who plays the male fighter pilot, fail to breathe life into this uninspired screenplay. Their delivery feels wooden and uninspired, likely a consequence of the lackluster material they had to work with. It’s a shame to see these talented actors struggle to salvage a film that was destined for mediocrity from its conception.

Adding to the film’s woes is its lack of compelling action sequences. The aerial dogfights, a central aspect of any aviation-themed film, lack the intensity and excitement needed to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The choreography feels clunky, and the special effects fail to impress, making the film fall even further in the shadows of its blockbuster predecessor, Top Gun: Maverick.

Furthermore, the film’s pacing issues exacerbate the feeling of boredom that pervades throughout its runtime. The plot moves at a glacial pace, making the 90-minute film feel like a never-ending slog. There is a clear absence of a coherent narrative arc, leaving the audience wondering when the climax will arrive – only to be met with an underwhelming and predictable conclusion.

Called to Duty misses the mark by a wide margin. The plot is a clichéd and unoriginal mess that fails to engage the audience, and the film’s blatant mimicry of Top Gun: Maverick only highlights its lack of creativity. With forgettable performances, lackluster action sequences, and a predictable narrative, this movie leaves much to be desired. If you’re looking for a genuine aviation film that pays homage without outright copying, it’s best to steer clear of this lackluster attempt.