Phenomenal movie

Rating: 9/10 (11 January 2013)

Hadn't seen "Jarhead" in a while until I recently re-watched it. It not only holds up very well, it reminded me of just what a phenomenal film it is -- not just a fine war film, but a great film, period. Those complaining that it "goes nowhere" or that the main character "doesn't take a stand" are missing the point: War, and particularly the Gulf War, is not like an action movie, It is often morally ambiguous and confusing, and for those on the ground, war isn't about "taking a stand" -- it's about following orders, training in mind-numbing repetition, and long stretches of sheer boredom punctuated by moments of the sheer terror always lurking just beneath the surface. Despite this grunts-eye-view perspective, however, "Jarhead" serves as a great commentary on the insanity of war and of the policies behind it.
All philosophical commentary aside, the film is worth watching and merits a high rating solely for the fantastic performances by almost the entire supporting cast, with special kudos to Jamie Foxx as the hard-nosed, cool, yet sometime exasperated Sergeant, and Lucas Black as the policy-questioning, conspiracy-minded member of the platoon. I've enjoyed Lucas Black in almost every film he's been in, but I think his nuanced performance here is perhaps his finest ever. His character's non-responsive interview with the media is one of the funniest scenes in film history, and he conveys his character's traits and viewpoint flawlessly -- all without saying a single word. His wandering glances and annoyed expression had me rolling on the floor. I kid you not -- one of the great comic moments in film history. Even if you don't enjoy war movies, or don't like films with political messages, watch it just for the buildup to that scene.
That scene gets 10/10 stars; overall, I give the film 9 out of 10.