The Aviator ***1/2
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, John C. Reilly, Kate Beckinsale, Adam Scott, Alec Baldwin, Ian Holm, Alan Alda
Director: Martin Scorsese
Running Length: 2:48
MPAA Classification: PG-13

Martin Scorsese's "The Aviator" is a look at about two decades in the life of millionaire Howard Hughes (DiCaprio). As the movie opens, he is spending tons of money to get his film "Hell's Angels" filmed to his satisfaction. His passion for aviation leads him to acquire TWA, develope a spy plane, and battle with Senator Ralph Owen (Alda) and Pan-Am president Juan Trippe (Baldwin) over international flights. The movie ends with the long awaited flight of the "Spruce Goose". Along the way, he romances Katherine Hepburn (Blanchett), Ava Gardner (Beckinsale), and Faith Domeregue (Kelli Garner). He also battles an obsessive compulsive condition that nearly hobbles him a number of times.

"The Aviator" is an unflinching look at Howard Hughes' life. The highs and the lows are portrayed equally, showing him to be an intelligent and driven man with a debilitating sickness. DiCaprio does an adequate job as Hughes (I find DiCaprio to be overrated). Cate Blanchett is excellent as Hepburn, and supporting roles by Reilly, Baldwin, and Alda hold the film together. I would argue that the biggest drawback to the film is the somewhat abrupt ending. Not knowing anything about Hughes, it left me wondering what happened next.