Where's the action?

Rating: 6/10 (9 January 2006)

Short Review:
A documentary pretending to be a war movie. No action, no plot, and no moral questions. Although it offers a funny and satirical look at life in the Marines - it is for Sam Mendes/Jake Gyllenhaal fans only.
Long Review:
"Jarhead" is a war movie. At least that's how the posters and previews would have you believe. However it is as much a war movie as a porno without sex is a porno. Unlike 99.9% of the other war movies out there is almost no action. It is not "Full Metal Jacket" or "Saving Private Ryan", you won't be mesmerized by the realistic fighting scenes. The film also lacks a plot. There are no conflicts to be resolved. No climax. When the film ends, it does so abruptly.
The film is more of a documentary than a war movie. It offers insight into life in the USMC. This is where the film excels. Jake Gyllenhaal as Swoff manages to bring humor into the mind-numbing existence that they lived. Jamie Foxx (Staff Sgt. Sykes) and Peter Sarsgaard (Troy) also give excellent performances. "Jarhead" is educational - if not exceptional.
Without a doubt the best part of this movie is its soundtrack! It certainly helps the movie a lot. The cinematography is also very haunting. Many scenes like the highway of death leading out of Kuwait and burning oil wells are recreated to stunning effect.
All in all the film is worth seeing. It is not of the same caliber as Sam Mendes' last two movies: "American Beauty" and "Road to Perdition". There are still, however, memorable scenes which no other movies offers.