The Director's Series, Michael Bay No. 3




Throughout 2025 I'm turning my focus to Directors. They help craft the vision on screen that makes a movie work. This year I'm looking at five favorite films from 18 directors I admire and 10 films directed by different women that I have enjoyed. Join me Fridays and Saturdays throughout 2025 as we take this journey.

Pearl Harbor (2001)
Starring: Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, Kate Beckinsale, and Tom Sizemore
Director: Michael Bay
About: Bay doesn't always get enough credit. He is a commercial director, and there are certainly things about his style that aren't great. But this is a movie that really showcases his range and talent. This is a classic war film that has some big spectacle and some really great performances. Is there a love triangle? Sure, but it's not like that didn't happen during the war. I really enjoy the style here and the way this film is told. It's a great watch. This is one of Bay's best and one of his most impressive.

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