Would be better if I hadn't read the book

Rating: Null/10 (24 March 2007)

The real tragedy to this film is that Stephen Hunter has written several books with this character, and properly handled this movie could have easily been the start of a major film franchise. Instead, it becomes a one film throw away because it looks like the people that wrote the screenplay were completely unaware that the books exist.
Mark Wahlberg is acceptable in the role, but only because so many changes in the script were made. Had the movie played more according to the script, you would have a much deeper character emotionally, and the role would have required someone older and more taciturn.
The film overly simplifies the motivations and the reasons behind the actions of the various characters, the female lead was thrown in simply to put a female into the film, and the screenplay often bogs itself down into simplistic anti or pro American jingoism's.
I notice Stephen Hunter was not given screenplay credit for this film, which only raises him as a writer in my eyes.
Bottom line, it's an okay matinée movie to see at reduced prices. But as anything more than a basic mindless action film, you are better off saving your money and spending it on something worthwhile.