Excellent movie, but...

Rating: 10/10 (20 April 2006)

This movie is one of my favorites. I have never read the book, have never been to Vietnam, so I'm just gonna give you a review as I see it. The first half of the movie is so powerful, so well acted by Lee Ermey, that the entire second half of the movie pales in comparison. Ermey really pulls off the drill Sargent role, having been a former drill instructor in real life. Vincent D'Onofrio does an amazing job at being Gomer Pyle. These two actors put in such great performances that they easily outshine the rest of the entire cast, and steal the show. Therefore, after Gomer Pyle puts a bullet in the drill instructor and then his own head, the movie sort of goes downhill. Once in Vietnam, the movie goes somewhat dull. There are still a ton of great scenes, with a ton of great lines, and some quality acting, but it lacks the energy and the intensity that the first half has. Nonetheless, I would still highly recommend it. 10/10!