Fun, but not realistic

Rating: 8/10 (9 November 2007)

When this movie came out, I had been out of the service for about eight months. I thought this movie was entertaining, and fun just for the back-and-forth between the Marines. I was in the Navy for 6 years and spent 4 of them on a helicopter carrier that ferried 2000 Marines around (just like the one they used late in the movie), so I got to know what they were like.
Which brings me to my problems with the movie: - The lack of respect for GySgt. Highway's Medal of Honor. First of all, a CO in Maj. Powers' position would have thanked God and BuPers (Bureau of Personnel) for sending such a highly decorated NCO to work under him. Yes, he had his run-ins with the law, and he did deck Powers' buddy during his last tour at Lejeune, but the respect for the MOH would have been evident. Powers NEVER saluted Highway first, as custom dictates. Also, his troops would have been scared to death to tick off such a decorated NCO, who are almost God-like in their stature in the Corps.

The total lack of discipline of Highway's men. Never would have happened. The squad bay looking like it did, the Marines in civilian clothes during duty hours? No way, dude. They wouldn't have been playing pool in the barracks. Thy would have been out training. Plus, they would have had their hair "high and tight" long before Highway's arrival. And the rebellion fueled by the Swede's return. Pure fantasy, although the fight between Swede and Highway was cool. Highway's attitude - on Swede starting to become a Marine - was pretty good.

Lt. Ring. A necessary foil in a movie such as this, but totally unrealistic. Yes, ROTC officers aren't always as gung ho as Academy officers, but they aren't THAT clueless. Asking him what college he went to? I wouldn't want him leading my unit.

There are other minor things that bother me about the movie, but but I still watch this movie whenever it is on because - plain and simple - it's Clint, and Clint's the man.