Second best Vietnam War movie.

Rating: 10/10 (12 November 2006)

Just watched "GOOD MORNING, Vietnam" today, Veterans Day, and I have chosen this as my second favorite Vietnam War movie right behind "PLATOON." As a Conservative, I have to give the Liberals credit, they do know how to make entertaining films which capture the beauty and the horror of men's experiences in war. My third favorite, of course in honor of John Wayne, is "THE GREEN BERETS." Not in the class of GM,V or Platoon, but a good entertaining western set in Vietnam.
Robin Williams should have been given the Oscar for his performance as Airman Adrian Cronauer even if the experiences of Cronauer were a bit fictionalized. Probably a best supporting award for Forest Whitaker would also have been in order.
As with Platoon, Good Morning, Vietnam has that look and feel and smell of Vietnam and the war. Possibly you have to have been there to smell it in a movie, but a Vietnam Vet will know what I am talking about.
This film has a note of sadness to it from another angle. Three great character actors who gave realistic and credible performances are no longer with us. Noble Willingham, Bruno Kirby and J.T. Walsh. They each played characters who were very much like men who were in Vietnam. Some good, Willingham as the General; some confused, Kirby as the 2nd. Lt.; and J. T. Walsh as Sgt. Maj. Dickerson. Oh for real, there were a bunch of Sgt. Maj. Dickersons in Vietnam.
This is a 10 for me.