(rated PG 13, 138 mins) An inside look at how President John F. Kennedy, his brother Bobby and the U.S. government responded to the discovery of offensive Soviet nuclear weapons in Cuba, thus creating a life-or-death-tug-of-war, during the thirteen days of October, 1962. Typical to many historical films are the inter-cuts of black and white, and while often annoying, this time it worked in adding drama to the missiles being in our satellite thus spelling big trouble for the pacing Kennedy’s on Oval Office steps. One Senator quickly outlines that “Soviets only understand action” (forcing a planned air strike and then an invasion where they hope the Soviets will retaliate to Berlin). Of course nothing goes according to plan or quite so easy. One of the more exciting action moments, in an otherwise talky movie, is when a Commander (Chris Lawford, a real life Kennedy, Peter Lawford’s kid), flies over Cuba to photograph the missiles for proof. Bruce Greenwood as President Kennedy was satisfactory, Steven Culp as Bobby Kennedy was incredible, with body language down to the very side he parts his hair, almost better than the real thing. Costner, in his comeback role (wait, haven’t we heard that before), is out of place as Jack’s sidekick Kenny O’Donnell with some unnecessary Elmer Fudd meets Daffy Duck accent. Once Costner settles down by stepping into the backdrop of a White House arena full of shouting heads, the story delivers thrills, tension and facts about our U.S. history. The movie attempts unsuccessfully to interject daily family life into the traumatic circumstances for a more human edge. In one scene they squabble over a sandwich “I was eating that” and comment to the President “Make sure Jackie picks out something nice for your appearance” (addressing the nation on TV). Overall, it’s a good history lesson in case you were passing notes during your freshman year.
