Will reward a patient, accepting viewing.

Rating: Null/10 (15 November 2003)

Clint is a legend. This is one of his movies. That alone should give Heartbreak Ridge the right to at least one viewing.
Now, it's true that there are elements of this movie that I wish I could just airbrush away. Van Peebles' character is so dated in the early-to-mid 80's that he is painful to watch at times. (Peebles does a good job, it's the character that makes one wince.) Being the real thing, it is bad-retro, not good-retro. (How soon we forget!)
There are also elements that will appear to the present-day viewer to be cliche. If the movie were made today, they would be. In '86, they were not yet so. If you can look past the things that are what they are due to chronological issues, you'll have overcome the limitations.
This movie is about the final experiences on-duty of a lifelong gung-ho marine. I invite a grown-up, patient viewer to give it a watch. As with many films, it rewards acceptance.
I confess: I watched this movie at a formative time in life, and have re-viewed it upwards of 12 times (I own it on VHS) so I come at it with that as part of my response. My sweet wife needs a footrub while watching to stick it out. (Then again, that's how I get her to stay on the couch with me through the Simpsons, too.) I would speculate that you'll come out somewhere in between. Just as well, 'cause neither you nor I want me to be rubbing your feet. :)