Classic war action that is just a little too long

Rating: 6/10 (3 March 2005)

** HERE BE SPOILERS **
Recap: Maj. Reisman (Marvin) is given the assignment to train twelve convicted men, either to death or very long sentences, for a covert mission it to occupied France. He is not very happy about it and the twelve convicted men are not thrilled either. There are a lot of suspicion and disbelief among the undisciplined convicts. So first Reisman has to put himself in respect, then bring the group together and at last train them to kill. Progress is slow, and Reisman's superiors are starting to lose patience. The group has to prove themselves in a war game. If they fail, they go back to prison. If they succeed they will be sent into real war were failure is much more fatal...
Comments: First, it is a stellar cast. Marvin, Borgnine, Bronson, Savalas, Sutherland, López and Cassavetes. Unfortunately everyone is playing tough guys so there is very little emotions present. It feels like there are much more potential in a cast like this than what is shown here. The story is good, the idea brilliant. However it is a little too long, and I did get a little bored with just the tough guy thing. No change of pace or perspective that might have felt fresh now and then. There are a few witty lines that produce a smile now and then. The war game episode is the best as it is not too long in itself. The final battle is unfortunately too long. And it is annoying that most of the soldiers seem to forget both training and common sense (for example, while trying to be sneaky, don't run upright. Or when being shot at, don't stand upright.) Still it is somewhat of a classic. Give it a try...
6/10