Independent Film Shown At WAI

by ANN Correspondent Aleta Vinas

Passion!  No, not the XXX kind... rather, the kind that defies definition, that drives you to achieving your goal no matter what the roadblock. That passion is the aura of "Speed and Angels", which was shown last Thursday evening to a standing room only crowd at the Women in Aviation International Conference in Orlando, FL.

The independently-produced film by Spellbound Productions is currently available on DVD. There is hope for a big screen release.

"Speed and Angels" is like Top Gun on steroids because it is TRUE. The movie is what reality TV wishes it could be.

Two-and-a-half years is boiled down to about two hours in the documentary. The story follows Jay (callsign "Faceshot") and Meagan ("Slick") "getting jets". Both qualified to become fighter pilots in the Navy F-14 Tomcat, which was recently retired. Meagan will have the distinction of being the last female to pilot the Tomcat.

The movie rotates back and forth between Jay’s trials and tribulations and Meagan’s. Much of the story unfolds with the two during their Navy time. Then there are the very heart warming parts that take place in the pilot’s homes and hometowns. One scene has Jay home on leave being honored by the local VFW for his efforts and his awe at being in the presence of the older vets.

Neither pilot had it easy, as the movie shows. "No" and "you can’t" are frequent players in the script, and watching Jay and Meagan face down each negative brings out the cheering instinct for them.

The adventures on the ground do take back seat to the amazing aerial adventures. Cockpit and aircraft mounted cameras in addition to a modified Lear catch the dogfight action and bring you into the cockpit.

Pop the popcorn, grab your drink of choice and push play... you will feel the need for speed.

FMI: www.speedandangels.com/