Poor representation of the Marine Corps or people portrayed

Rating: 2/10 (6 November 2005)

Aside from the fact that there really isn't much action of any type (merely alluded to for the most part), this is one of the poorest portrayals of the USMC or combat I've ever seen. Aside from the obvious errors in language, rank and facts surrounding the young marine's experience, when they shot the scenes supposedly taken in Saudi Arabia of the troops disembarking from the 747 a/c, they could have at least cut the hills and mountains seen in the background (obviously taken in Southern Arizona around Miranda) - there just aren't many large hills or mountains in the Saudi landscape. There are so many technical mistakes (from simple words and language describing the USMC, basic and life in the service) that it is plain that the Marine Corps (nor any ex-Marine) provided any technical support. The uniforms were incorrect and improperly marked, the tanks shown weren't Marine (nor where they the correct M60s used in '90-91), the guns were often incorrect (including the guns they used to illustrate snipers), the scopes were wrong, etc. The list goes on almost forever. The most egregious errors included the statement that "ties were still ties" (wrong, they are field scarves) and when the supposedly fine tuned sniper scout sights into the scope and prepares for each shot, he closes one eye - - why can't they get someone who has actually shot on a range with a high power rifle to advise them on the sets. If the actor can't measure up, get some other actor.
Added to the purely technical inaccuracies, the amount of useless, filthy language is pointless. Sure some swear in real life, but not to the excess shown here and for what point?
What a disappointment of a movie. If you care to see something much more accurately illustrating life in the Corps, see Battle Cry, The DI or Full Metal Jacket. Why the latter is somewhat raw, it is at least more true in most of the facts of life in the Marine Corps.
Don't waste your money on this Hollywood history.