Dull and derivative

Rating: 5/10 (18 June 2004)

"Tigerland" is a drama/war movie in the vein of the first half of "Full Metal Jacket", but unfortunately without any of the wit, cynicism and shock value that made that movie so great, and this one ultimately rather mediocre.
Still, there is a lot to like. The movie is shot in almost documentary-style, making it look very authentic and gritty, and Colin Farrell does a great job as the lead.
But unfortunately, the story and characters just don't hold up. Basically, there is nothing here that isn't done much and much better in "Full Metal Jacket". "Tigerland" isn't really a strong anti-war movie, and it's not a good war movie either (surprisingly little action). Basically it's just a drama that happens to be about soldiers, and it uses and/or abuses nearly every cliché that you'd expect from a movie like this: aggressive drill sergeant, rebellious recruit, pathetic loser etc. All in all it was way too slow and predictable to keep my attention.
"Tigerland" is interestingly shot, but ultimately the story and characters are too dull or derivative to make the movie really worthwhile.
**1/2 out of **** stars