OK...I saw it...and I was there, too.

Rating: 7/10 (22 November 2005)

After telling my wife that I wouldn't see it, I went ahead and did.
I'll keep this short. I thought Swofford's book was better than the movie. His book's depiction of the War and the Marine's life during the wait was brilliant and right on the money. The movie? Not quite, but still had pretty good cinematography...the scenes of the battalion moving were realistic. The dramatic stuff? Maybe a little "over-the-top." Some of the stuff in Boot Camp, as well as the celebration after the War ended, didn't happen like I saw it, but maybe Swofford didn't have a say in that. Who knows. I don't where they shot this movie, but the sets looked just like Saudi (especially Dhahran and Jubail).
It was worth watching, though, and I commend Swofford on his efforts in breaking the negative stereotype of Marines. I mean...he published a book. Pretty cool. His book got made into a movie. Even cooler. I've read reviews on here that are only written to hammer Swofford on what he "did" or "didn't" do. I can't stand former Marines who crucify other Marines, no matter what went down. Unforgivable in my book. Talk about the show and vent your anger elsewhere.
Bottom line? It was a good movie and anyone who saw it should buy the book and give it a read. You'll like it, especially if you're a former Marine.
Until then, see the movie. However, I wouldn't spend the extra quarter for the large drink instead of the medium, but that's just me...
later.
0251