Remember Tom Cruise in Top Gun? Wonder who the first fighter pilots in history were? Flyboys gives you that answer.

James Franco: Flyboy Credit: MGM pictures

In 1916, young Texas rancher Blaine Rawlings (James Franco) goes to France to learn to be a fighter pilot in World War I when his family ranch is repossessed by the bank and he's running from the law for knocking out the evil banker. Other young American guys are joining the French flying unit, the Layfayette Escadrille for their own reasons; to please a rich daddy, to make the family proud, to prove bravery, etc.

Squadron leader Reed Cassidy (Martin Henderson) has a lot of kills to his credit. He's trying to get even with the Germans who shot down all his friends so he's a tough guy to get to know. Rawlings finally manages to crack his tough shell. All the young "guns" learn that this isn't going to be easy. The average pilot has a 3 to 6 week lifespan! Rawlings awkwardly falls for pretty French girl Lucienne who usually doesn't date pilots because.. uh, they die! At one point, he risks his life to fly in and save her and her young nieces and nephews from Germans occupying the area.

After a lot of exciting air battles, the boys in blue either die or become men overnight and Rawlings helps Cassidy finally get even with the German ace who shot down his pals.