Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Wartime drama mixes aerial combat, worthy messages, cliches.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Red Tails
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 14 parent reviews
Parents say the film offers a mix of excitement and historical education, showcasing the struggles and achievements of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. However, many reviewers criticize its inaccuracies, mediocre writing, and excessive violence, which detracts from the important story it aims to tell, suggesting it may not be suitable for younger audiences.
- historical lessons
- mixed reactions
- inaccuracies noted
- violence concerns
- poor writing
- suitability issues
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 17 kid reviews
What's the Story?
Inspired by the real-life Tuskegee Airmen, RED TAILS follows an all-black fighter pilot squadron in World War II as they face off against German planes in the air and the entrenched racism of the mostly white U.S. military on the ground. Terrence Howard and Cuba Gooding Jr. play the senior officers, but most of the story follows four pilots: responsible Marty "Easy" Julian (Nate Parker), who uses liquor to wash away the horrors of war and his own lack of confidence; cocky ladies' man Joe "Lightning" Little (David Oyelowo), the team's best pilot; eager Ray "Ray Gun" Gannon (Tristan Wilds), the youngest flier; and cutup Samuel "Joker" George (Elijah Kelley).
Is It Any Good?
Red Tails is best when the pilots are in the air. Most of the aerial combat sequences are exciting to watch (though some of the special effects could have used a little more polish). But the film sputters when the planes land. It's clear that the pilots encountered many obstacles from their own compatriots, but the film does a poor job of presenting their stories. The script is filled with preachy, eyerolling-inducing speeches about honor and duty, and cliched characters: the racist officer, the grumpy mechanic, the caricatured German rival, and many more.
How can material this rich go so wrong? The earnest, appealing cast does their best with what they have, but the story jumps from one point to the next without much coherence, and the tone frequently seems jarring; the pilots banter during combat sequences that should leave them shaken and seem to treat the war like an exciting game rather than a life-or-death experience. The Tuskegee Airmen deserve a better tribute than this.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the movie's messages. What do the characters learn about duty and confidence? Why is their story an important one? Are they all positive role models?
Talk about the film's historical context. Why were the pilots treated like inferiors? Why were so many people resistant to changing their minds about the pilots' abilities? How could you find out more about the Tuskegee Airmen?
Do you think the movie is historically accurate? Why might filmmakers choose to change details of the past when telling their story?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 20, 2012
- On DVD or streaming : May 22, 2012
- Cast : Cuba Gooding Jr. , David Oyelowo , Nate Parker
- Director : Anthony Hemingway
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Friendship , History
- Run time : 125 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some sequences of war violence
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Winner
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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