Aerodrome

When I watched Aerodrome, the mysterious case of missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 still fascinated the world and dominated virtually all cable news coverage. If only those same news programs would screen Devin Pickering and James Foster's touching documentary about early aviation preserved and recreated in New York's historic Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, perhaps it would restore some much-needed faith in the miracle of human flight.

The film beautifully captures a fascinating pastime as it showcases classic aircraft and interviews with pilots and others who contribute to the Aerodrome's storied success. The spectacular cinematography and simple but effective score largely contribute to a wonderful sort of longing for the past that remains a fairly constant theme throughout the motion picture – the sense of nostalgia is so strong I couldn't resist the urge to call it a "motion picture." I've never flown a plane, but when the film brought me up in the air with breathtaking live in-flight shots, I immediately understood why these men are so passionate about what they do.

Aerodrome positively reinforces a personal belief of mine that pilots are under-appreciated in American culture. You don't even need to have a passion for aviation to enjoy the experience (although if you don't, you probably will by the end); all the film asks you bring forth is an appreciation of history and the people who work to preserve it.