well-shot, but far from being memorable

Rating: 6/10 (12 August 2006)

"Jarhead" is a well-shot military drama directed by Sam Mendes far-famed for his superb cinematic debut, "American Beauty". Going back to the subject. With lots of funny situations and interesting, well-matched musical score "Jarhead" provides a wonderful insight into military service. However, I felt that the director has not much to say throughout the movie. What is the biggest problem of the film is the lack of solid punchline at the end. The creators leave viewers practically with no thoughts except these ones indicating that military service involves a series of pointless actions and is dull. It definitely seems too little for a feature film and, therefore, the movie is anything but memorable. What saves "Jarhead" from being another mediocre flick in which the form towers over substance is top-notch acting.