A fitting follow up to "Platoon"

Rating: Null/10 (4 November 2002)

Oliver Stone, one of the most talented and inventive film makers of recent Hollywood history had previously captured the brutalities of the Vietnam War in his critically acclaimed 1986 film "Platoon" which won an Academy Award for the year's Best Picture. Three years later, Stone followed up on that success with a film that is good and was also nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award but pales in comparison to "Platoon." Tom Cruise follows up on his "Rain Man" success with another incredible true life portrayal. This time, he's Ron Kovic, a soldier in the Vietnam War who became paralyzed and later became a controversial activist figure against the war. More of a character study biopic than a war film. Some great performances but those who are looking for the thrills of "Platoon" may be disappointed.