The best half movie ever

Rating: 8/10 (22 August 1999)

When the topic of uneven movies comes up, this has to be at the top of the list. While the first half of Full Metal Jacket is possibly the most riveting drama about the military I have ever seen, the second half becomes a routine war film.
I have watched the first half of this film many times, and continue to find it as entertaining as the first time I saw it. This is a movie without star power. Matthew Modine had a few popular movies under his belt, but Vincent D'Onofrio and R. Lee Ermey were virtual unknowns. However, they give three of the most compelling performances I have ever seen. The fact the second half of the movie only has Modine's character may have something to do with the lackluster finish.
Assigning a rating to such a film is difficult; so, with a 10 beginning and a 5 ending, I'd give it a 8.