Do we need yet another basic training movie?

Rating: Null/10 (12 November 2000)

Don't get me wrong. This is a quality movie with strong characters, interesting plot, good action - everything you want in a good movie. Problem is, you've seen it before.
How many ways can one "do" a film about a bunch of guys in basic training? How can filmmakers avoid the cliches - stock character types, macho rivalries, potato peeling scenes, etc.? The answer is, in this film at least, they can't. Even when, in a postmodern moment, the cliches are acknowledged within the film by the main character, you always know what's coming, who's gonna fight, and when the big climax will occur.
And so, in that sense, this movie was a disappointment.
But the acting was great, the camera work was intense, the music was effective, and I enjoyed myself. I especially enjoyed the "Chinatown" sense of not knowing what the title actually refers to, and yet suspecting something will happen there. It's well worth the cost of the ticket, but don't expect any surprises.