Underrated, entertaining popcorn movie

Rating: 8/10 (29 January 2002)

Well, don't go in seeing this movie if you have a bone to pick -- that applies to any movie, really. Go see films to be entertained, or stay away from Hollywood and stay with art flicks and/or documentaries. It would sure be nice if people just accepted the fact that Hollywood is about making money first, entertaining the public second, and everything else a distant third.
In my opinion, this is one of Ridley Scott's strongest films. More entertaining than Gladiator (and more true-to-life -- we can relate to the characters here since they're all quite human and living in modern times, but not to General Maximus Decimus Meridus). A nice coverage of Navy Seals in training (can't comment on the realism although I was in the Naval Reserves for 6 years), this is one of my favorite popcorn movies, and doesn't require the brain to be totally disengaged, which is a nice extra.

Not a good buy (simply because it's too painful to watch regularly) but makes a great occasional rental. Production values and cinematography are first-rate, and the storyline is incredibly entertaining (if ultimately uninspired).
Why some people have savaged this film is beyond me. Sure, it's cliched... but films like The Matrix and Saving Private Ryan aren't? If you like action and/or military movies, just disregard the more blatant critics (I always do, knowing they have some personal agenda they're bringing to the film) and watch for enjoyment, without preconceptions... maybe you'll like it. Leave your personal agendas and politics at the door and dive in.
8/10