I wasn't that enthralled with it to be honest...

Rating: 6/10 (18 July 2010)

Jarhead was a movie I was actually excited to see, due to the subject nature and the real life story behind it. While it wasn't downright boring, I found myself having problems keeping myself interested in it. The performances aren't a problem, but the characters are in my opinion. Not many of them are very easy to relate too. Jake Gyllenhall's portrayal of Anthony Swofford is tremendously acted, but his character is somewhat cold and distant|which i Know how Swofford was in real life, and that was the point, but still| and none of the secondary characters were that likable either, in all honesty it was rather depressing. Maybe i'm picky, but I don't like movies that start depressing, and then have a depressing payoff. It drains me completely and just ruins my mood, I was kind of angry to be honest. I don't know much about Swofford's experiences, nor do I care too to be honest, I'd prefer to read something much more lively and happy.
Performances. Jake Gyllenhaal is often excellent, and did a wonderful portrayal. However his character is much too cold and distant for my liking, taking away his likability for me. Peter Sarsgaard is very good as Troy. His mysterious past and the hidden pain he has was very interesting to watch, even if it was hard to sympathize with. Jamie Foxx is really good in his role, even if it's a bit more limited than I would have liked. Lucas Black is good in his hot-headed, yet likable role.
Bottom line. It wasn't terrible, in fact its the farthest thing from it. It's just too depressing, and was very hard for me to relate too. Worth a viewing of course, it just wasn't my cup of tea.
6/10