One of Kubrick's more down-to-earth films

Rating: Null/10 (18 February 2003)

I didn't think this was a typical Stanley Kubrick film (The Shining, 2001: A Space Odyssey), but it was still outstanding nonetheless. R. Lee Ermey gives a solid, unforgettable performance in this movie, as do Matthew Modine and Vincent D'Onofrio. Ermey (in a hilarious and terrifying role as Sgt. Hartman), Modine (as the head-strong "Joker" who had the guts to make a wise-crack to Hartman), and D'Onofrio (who gained 70 pounds to play his role as the slow-witted, chubby "Gomer Pyle") were definitely the main highlights of the film, giving Academy Award-worthy performances. With those three stars and a few particularly powerful moments, this film is saved from being noted as "just another war film". I give this 9/10.