Decent movie, but tried too hard not to put off those with differing views.

Rating: 6/10 (4 April 2008)

(I rated the movie 6, not because it is bad, but because it is better than average. Not an instant classic, not action-packed, but not overly preachy.) If you are with other people of differing political views, no one is going to leave this movie feeling their position was disparaged. But neither will anyone leave feeling "vindicated" by their views. As such, the movie fails to be deeply satisfying for either audience and thus, hasn't done better at the box office.
"Stop-Loss" takes a cue from another politically-themed movie, "Shooter", pairing the lead character with his best friends' finance' as he seeks to fight the "injustice" done to him by his "Stop-Loss".
As I've said, while decent, "Stop-Loss" tries too hard not to offend those with differing political views. Problem is, the very theme of the movie is to criticize a current and highly questionable military practice, so trying not to offend Conservative viewers is a complete waste since they are not the ones coming to see such a movie, and you fail to give the other 80% of movie goers that would have no problem listening to criticism of the government, what they expect.
All of the soldiers in Shadow-3, including the main character, are all dedicated soldiers that believe in the job they are doing, though maybe not the way they are being told to do it. Criticism of "policy" is rare and criticism of the government in the movie is nonexistent, thus coming off as less than truthful trying so hard not to offend movie goers of either persuasion.
A good movie, decently acted, even with the over-the-top and clichéd' portrayal of life in Texas. It will hold your attention and you will be interested in seeing how the story plays out, so in that regard, a movie worth seeing no matter your political persuasion, and good for mixed groups with varying views.