Ike - Countdown to D-Day (2004)

Tom Selleck gives a restrained yet powerful performance as General Dwight D. Eisenhower in Ike: Countdown to D-Day. This made-for-cable feature focuses on the solemn, brilliant but plain-speaking Ike as he fine-tunes, over 90 days, tactical and political concerns involved with the Allies' imminent D-Day invasion of Normandy, i.e., America and Britain's long-awaited joint assault against Nazi-occupied Europe. A strong cast--James Remar as General Omar Bradley, Timothy Bottoms as Ike's assistant, Walter Bedell "Beetle" Smith--anchors the film's mesmerizing, blow-by-blow account of Eisenhower's leadership under the shadow of many uncertainties (predicting the weather for D-Day becomes a suspenseful refrain) and pressure from conflicting egos (Montgomery, DeGaulle, Patton). Ian Mune is a delight as a wary, darkly bemused Churchill, who encourages Ike's strategy of supreme leadership and low-key diplomacy. The script by Lionel Chetwynd (DC 9/11: Time of Crisis) captures the unbearable tension of commencing the invasion--and awaiting the results. --Tom Keogh Amazon.com

Great movie

This movie shows the process of taking one of the most important decisions in WWII, which determined the beginning of the end.
It is remarkable that this movie can condense so much information in 90 minutes of run time: political affairs among the allies, war stress, historical background, etc.
Tom Selleck's performance of Gen. Eisenhower is definitely outstanding. July 22, 2008

Excellent Portrayal of Ike!

This is an excellent portrayal of Eisenhower by Tom Selleck. The film was entertaining and helped me appreciate the difficult situations Ike faced before D-Day, such as planning the invasion with a multi-national staff (i.e. lots of egos and diverse opinions) and disciplining friends (e.g. Gen Patton). This film shows how Ike was truly a great leader as a general in anticipation of being a great leader as president.

When I first heard Selleck was going to take on the role of Ike, I thought of Magnum PI and could not see how it would work. HOWEVER, Selleck studied Ike thoroughly even to the point of taking on his mannerisms. He even had Ike's posture down pat. So, I also came away from this film appreciating Selleck's acting ability much more.

Do get a copy of this film. You won't regret it. March 14, 2008

A pleasant surprise!

I was shocked at how good this movie is. At first, I scoffed at the idea of Tom Selleck playing Ike. I was totally wrong. He did a fantastic job. The casting for this movie was superb. The acting was also very very good, as was the screenplay. The movie covers the period when Ike is first named "Supreme Commander", in charge of the entire European theater, to the D-Day invasion. The movie starts out with Ike speaking with Winston Churchill. They debate over the idea of having one "supreme commander" calling the shots in Europe. Churchill goes on to say that no one in history has held that much power as he would have, not Alexander, Napoleon or Caesar. It's hard to disagree with that statement. The movie explores the decision making that took place in planning D-Day. You really get a feel for the immense responsibility that Eisenhower had with running the War and keeping the Allies together. Not only did he have war strategy to deal with, he also had to keep egomaniacs, like Monty and Charles de Gaulle, happy. No easy task, to be sure. This is a great movie, don't miss it. February 20, 2008

Tom Selleck as Ike

Tom Selleck delivers a stellar performance as General Dwight D. Eisenhower during his planning of the D-Day invasion. I have always been a fan of Mr. Selleck, but this portrayal was so perfect that I found myself forgetting he was not Ike. This is a very worthwhile movie to watch, to better understand that bit of history. I recommend it highly. November 17, 2007

Ike

If you are looking for a war movie, this is not it. It is an excellent drama dealing with the D-Day invasion planning, and should be required watching for any management candidate class. Tom Selleck's acting makes you believe that he is Ike, and together with subject matter, makes this movie a winner. November 1, 2007

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