"Amelia"

Rated PG
1 hour 50 minutes

Starring: Hilary Swank, Richard Gere, Ewan McGregor, Christopher Eccleston

It's been more than 70 years since legendary pilot Amelia Earhart disappeared during her around the world flight. And "Amelia's" only the first full blown account of her exploits to reach the screen.

Let me tell you, Hilary Swank's earthy portrayal of the celebrated free spirit has been worth the wait. Her "Amelia's" a woman ahead of her time. She gives the male dominated world of aviation a run for its money.

When her publisher wants to know why "Amelia" has this passion for flying, she tells him, she wants to be free. Obvious free to take the world by storm and free to pursue her unconventional love life as befits a celebrity who plays by her own rules. It's not long before her previously skeptical promoter Richard Gere, comes on board as the love of her life.

So what If "Amelia's storytelling style is quaint by modern movie making standards? Her performance isn't any less exuberant, and the impact any less touching. Her passion for flying goers beyond her mere navigational destination. "Amelia" kept raising the bar and tempting fate. She revels in her role as a pioneering spirit and as a sexy lady to be desired by men.

The film travels a straightforward route to that ultimate crisis in her life when she pushes the envelope too far. "Amelia's" a glorious journey into the life of a 20th century icon, who remained as mysterious in life as the circumstances surrounding her death.

It's no mystery why "Amelia" deserves a high flying 3 stars. As for Hilary Swank, it's another jewel in her glittering crown of memorable performances.