Proof That Sometimes Chemistry Alone Can Make A Movie Entertaining

Rating: 7/10 (6 February 2018)

If and when one gets right down to it, "Last Flag Flying" is a little bit of a mess, thematically. It tackles a number of different issues/themes, and comes up inconclusive on most of them. The thing is, though, there is such great chemistry between the three leads of the film that it almost doesn't even matter in the end, because their interactions are so entertaining.
For a basic plot summary, "Last Flag Flying" sees Doc Shepherd (Steve Carell), a former Marine, being informed that his son has died in service to his country. Understandably distraught, Doc does the only thing that seem right under the circumstances, which is to reunite with former Corps mates Richard Mueller (Laurence Fishburne) and Sal Nealon (Bryan Cranston). When the trio discover that the military isn't being exactly honest with them about the circumstances surrounding Doc's son's death, they decide to take matters into their own hands and transport the body back home themselves.
If there ever was a movie that personifies the phrase "more about the journey than the destination", this would be it in spades! Along the way, the trio of former military men reminisce about old times, feel guilty about some events, and just generally try to come to terms with their service and what a mixed-up war Vietnam was both overseas and stateside. As I said in the opening paragraph, there are a lot of lofty themes thrown around during the runtime of this film. Some work...some don't. All told, the plot really doesn't amount to much in the end anyway.
But boy oh boy, is it ever fun to watch Sal, Doc, and the Reverend (Fishburne's character is now a minister, much to the delight of the gang) share the screen. Sometimes, three actors the caliber of Fishburne, Carrell, and Cranston would react like oil and water to each other. The exact opposite happens here, as instead all three bounce perfectly off of each other all film long. Carrell has more of the emotional role, Cranston is the clown, and Fishburne just rolls his eyes at it all (the straight man, if you will). It had been a long time since I had watched a film where the actors so firmly make the proceedings watchable even despite some meandering plot issues.
Now, don't get me wrong...it's not like "Last Flag Flying" is devoid of plot. It indeed does just enough to keep events moving forward. What I'm saying, though, is that this is a film where the character interactions so effortlessly steal the show that it can still be enjoyable even with some pretty simplistic plot structures moving it along. One scene, where the guys just sit around on a train and talk about their past Marines experiences, might be the best of the whole show. That's quite a feat!
Despite being directed by Richard Linklater (now mostly known for the incredibly deep--and Oscar-successful--"Boyhood"), "Last Flag Flying" will likely never ascend to "classic" status. There just really isn't enough to it. If you are just looking for some great acting performances and verbal back-and-back from iconic actors, however, this will be something you can thoroughly enjoy.