As for the movie itself, WAKE ISLAND opens with some American Marines and civilian contractors living their life on Wake Island. Digging holes and bitching about how bored they are until one day, out of nowhere, the Japanese Navy attacks. Will the Americans be able to hold out until reinforcements show up? Or will reinforcements just not show up at all?
I liked the film, but it's a little too lighthearted for my tastes. I understand the filmmakers were trying to make the characters more personable, but that one dude (William Bendix) was a fucking goofball. Then again, what do I know because he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in this film! Other than the goofball, the rest of the film is alright. The action scenes are especially well made. I would imagine WAKE ISLAND was a real crowd-pleaser back in 1942 even despite the continuity errors.
Modern audiences will probably find it very dated, especially laughable Brian Donlevy's outfit (and the two guys who couldn't keep their hands off of each other), but as far as pro-American propaganda goes WAKE ISLAND is entertaining enough.
Nice shirt there Seinfeld. The tie's awesome too.
