Ultimately unsatisfying

Rating: 6/10 (8 January 2014)

Excellent cinematography, really well done. That is the only unqualified praise I can give.
I really wanted to understand and feel these Navy SEALs heroes more. What it means, emotionally, spiritually, to be a SEAL, the esprit de corps... The lead up seemed detached, like I should already know what it feels like to be a SEAL, and I most certainly don't. That it was a cursory summary of stuff I should already know and then we get to the action. Clearly that would be enough for an entire movie, but I think it fell flat. I wanted to become more attached to these men, to really truly care about them as soldiers, men, husbands, fathers... The movie made an attempt at that, but again, I wasn't grabbed by it. IDK, maybe it was me. Saving Private Ryan, OTOH, did that, did it well, and I cared deeply about everyone of those men. It hurt. Lone Survivor, well, of course I grieve their loss, but no more than I did before.
The action, heck yes, well done... But why were we there again? And just where were we? they said, but it didn't stick... I knew exactly where we were in Black Hawk Down and, of course, Saving Private Ryan. And this bad guy they were to assassinate?? well, why were we putting our soldiers in the line of fire... Hmm maybe there was no good reason.
The only true ethical dilemma in the movie, again, didn't strike deep, and I couldn't relate to any particular perspective, and I think an awesome opportunity to look at the effects of media on war was missed.