Highly relevant and extremely moving

Rating: 10/10 (12 January 2014)

What is great about this movie: the casting and character development is well balanced and engaging, the interlacing of actual military footage is perfect and priceless, the plot and pace will keep you on the edge of your seat and engaged -- and the action sequences are riveting, engaging and compelling. You will not be bored watching this movie and you will probably find it disturbing in a good way -- i.e., thought provoking. It is very gritty (a plus in my book for this type of film). This movie is not perfect, but I gave it a 10 because based on a comparison to the competition it is definitely a top 5% flick. What's not so good (spoiler alert): The sophomoric hillside debate about what to do with captured Taliban soldiers/sympathizers seems unrealistic and ludicrous. If that decision wasn't made ahead of time someone needs to rewrite the mission briefings. The combat sequences drag out because apparently is takes at least 10 hits to kill a Navy Seal with 7.62 (AK) ammo while Taliban fighters drop dead like a sack of potatoes with one or two hits of 5.56 NATO. I think there is a better way of portraying the heroism of the characters than having each one shot again and again with no significant toll until all and each has about 5 bullet wounds - but that's Hollywood. The cast was great and I like Mark Wahlberg but this was not an Oscar performance for him. I am afraid like many Hollywood regulars he has done so many movies this seems like another day at the office for him (I'd rate his performance a B+) - however, the rest of the cast is great, keep the fresh faces coming! A must see for all viewers who like politically relevant/action flicks unless you really just want totally mindless entertainment.