The Shepherd

The Shepherd recalls & commemorates the pilots who helped and "shepherded" home shot-up aircraft during World War II.

I didn't like it.

It's corny, predictable and shallow. Not quite sure why Disney has wasted its time on this?

It looks quite good. Visually it's convincing. But the story doesn't complete its most important arc. No spoilers.

Obviously a ghost story, but why bother?

John Travolta is probably behind all this, but despite his enthusiasm for flying, this isn't any kind of showcase for him or his production skills.

Can't be bothered to write more about this so.......£&....................

The story is fine, but unremarkable.

What I found distracting was the subpar CGI. The plane looks like a plastic model during the exterior shots, an effect exxagerated by the studio lights shining all over it.

Similarly, you can easily discern the studio accent lighting in the eyes of the pilot, and on the surface of the cockpit cowling.

I never believed for an instant that the wayward pilot was actually in an aircraft. The monochromatic acting by Radcliffe was probably influenced by the fact that he was sitting in a mockup in a studio somewhere. The flat delivery of his lines merely underscored the low budget feel of this short.

Even the fog at the end looked like it was being generated just out of sight of the camera, and then being gently blown across the scene.

Travolta's appearance was probably filmed in a day... more likely just a couple of hours. He's... there... and that's all that can be said of him.

Ignore the negative reviews, someone with an axe to grind is trying to sink the ratings on this excellent short. My wife and I took a chance on this and loved every minute. Well acted, well directed, good story, not predictable, and best of all I was left feeling something inside, something good and uplifting. I would explain in more detail but I don't want to spoil the plot.

If you want to watch something that inspires and intrigues without vulgar language and violence and explosions, this is it.

I do have my own axe to grind with Disney in some ways-they have lost their way, and they insist of forcing people to watch the bad parts of some garbage they now distribute by denying access to VidAngel. BUT this short is beautiful and worth the watch. Make more of THIS, Disney.

"Stand with anyone who stands right. Stand with them while they are right, and walk away when they are wrong." - Abraham Lincoln.

This is a great way to spend 40 minutes. An engaging tale that is short, sharp and well executed.

There are a few flaws and the film isn't perfect but looking past a few inaccuracies, you have a great story set across a Christmas background which really gives this short and extra element, making this a good family watch.

It's possibly the little kid in me, watching planes and the classic Military themes intertwined with a Christmas backdrop but this is has a real nostalgia piece that is visually fantastic!

Lastly the casting is solid, Ben Radcliffe is charming in the lead role. While Travolta as Kavanagh is excellent, giving that feel of care and experience the role needed. This felt like a great role for Travolta in the twilight of his career.

All in all, looking for a short good Christmas watch and something I look forward to showing to my kids when they're old enough. The 8/10 maybe be little high for this but this film just sung to me.

I was pleasantly surprised with The Shepherd. It succeeds in making the use of every minute, it does not waste time and gets straight to its storyline and key events. Yet you do not feel it is rushed at all. I found myself feeling that maybe a lot of films and productions can take a page from their book. So many unnecessary features are added to many Christmas films, films in general. Sometimes stripping it back to its core basics and main plot points works. Simplicity can be very effective and wholesome. A nice little story was conveyed about the magic of Christmas, it was a good Samaritan in the air.