‘The Blue Angels’: American Tradition at Its Most Inspirational

"The Blue Angels" documentary shows how the special team of Navy pilots prepare for their spectacular air shows. Kirk Wester/Shutterstock

G | 1h 33m | Documentary, Military, History | 2024

An American military fixture since 1946, the joint Navy-Marine Corps venture known as the Blue Angels is the finest public relations program ever conceived by the U.S. Military. As of 2011, it is budgeted at $37 million annually and is one of the very few or possibly the only government expenditure that gives U.S. taxpayers their money’s worth. Over the span of 77 years, more than 500 million people have seen the Blue Angels perform (at no charge) live.

The Blue Angels perform in formation, in the documentary "The Blue Angels." Amazon Prime

Shot in 2022 over the course of 11 months, director Paul Crowder’s phenomenal new documentary, “The Blue Angels,” covers a typical year of both the pilots and their support teams and the process of vetting new members, along with some of the most breathtaking aerial IMAX visuals ever committed to film.

A former musician (drums) turned editor (“The Last Play at Shea,” “Sound City,” “The Beatles: Eight Days a Week,” “Pavarotti”), Mr. Crowder was the perfect choice to direct here. This is the type of movie where any hint of narrative fat will sabotage the final product.

Precise Execution

The entire concept of the Blue Angels is precise aeronautic execution. In the same manner as a Marine Corps drill team, the Radio City Rockettes, or even an Olympic water ballet performance, the pilots choreograph six F-18 Super Hornet fighter planes as a single unit.

Precise execution is shown by the Blue Angels, in the documentary "The Blue Angels." Amazon Prime

The big difference is that, without appearing to try too hard, the Blue Angel pilots are doing this in 16-ton vehicles at speeds that regularly exceed 400 miles per hour. This results in up to seven G-forces, with the planes often within 18 inches of each other.

This is what a half billion people have already seen at live shows. The documentary shows us what only its participants understand, and it is just one of a handful of different facets that makes the movie as impressive as an actual air show.

Pilots in their F-18 fighter jets, in the documentary "The Blue Angels." Amazon Prime

Mr. Crowder sets the table immediately with a pre-opening credit graphic stating that at any given time the U.S. Navy employs in excess of 3,700 fighter pilots, and of those only six are Blue Angels. Since 1946, a mere 260 pilots have been members of this ultra-exclusive group.

Every season starts with winter training at the Naval Air Facility in El Centro, California, located just 10 miles north of the Mexican border. In 2022, four of the pilots were entering their final year of service and two were rookies. The roster changes every season, and no member serves more than three years.

Hand-Picked Replacements

One might think that this constant rotation of personnel would be a hindrance to an operation so dependent on consistency and uniformity, but the opposite is true. This is because the team members handpick their replacements; none of them are “promoted” by the Navy brass.

Pilots study and train at the Naval Air Facility in El Centro, California, in the documentary "The Blue Angels." Amazon Prime

After two months of 12- to 18-hour days studying and training, the Blue Angels put on their first of 61 shows taking place in 32 cities spread out over the next 300 days. It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that this kind of schedule could put a strain on the pilots’ private lives, and Mr. Crowder addresses this issue with thoughtful delicacy. The same can be said for the time dedicated to the pilots’ personal back stories, and what sparked their initial interest in the program.

Blue Angel pilots meet their families, in the documentary "The Blue Angels." Amazon Prime

The obvious live-action comparison to this film would be the “Top Gun” franchise, as all three movies feature stunning F-18 visuals, thunderous sound, and an emphasis on camaraderie and teamwork. This is made all the more apparent due to the participation of “Maverick” composer Hans Zimmer and co-producer Glen Powell, the actor who portrayed the overconfident pilot, “Hangman,” in the same film.

Perfection and Excellence

At a time when Americans not only condone but also celebrate mediocrity, “The Blue Angels” reminds us of what can be achieved with dedication, perseverance, and the sanctity of honor and tradition. At multiple times during the film, the pilots echo the unofficial Blue Angel mantra: “Strive for perfection, achieve excellence.” If more of us adopted this attitude, the fate and disposition of our nation would change for the better overnight.

“Top Gun: Maverick” proved that if you make a great movie supporting traditional American values and common-sense morality, people will come out in droves. “The Blue Angels” is poised to continue that success.

Media poster for "The Blue Angels." Amazon Prime

“The Blue Angels” is streaming on Amazon Prime.

‘The Blue Angels’ Documentary Director: Paul Crowder Running Time: 1 hour, 33 minutes MPAA Rating: G Release Date: May 17, 2024 Rating: 5 stars out of 5

Would you like to see other kinds of arts and culture articles? Please email us your story ideas or feedback at [email protected]