well done

Rating: Null/10 (16 March 2002)

An epic movie with something more than just fighting, it does follow a certain path that is fairly predictable. What this film does do is build characters and families you can connect with. It allows a since of family and religion to form that connection with the soldiers.
Gibson is strong jawed and willed, someone I would follow into the action. Elliott's portrayal of the master gunny Sgt is purely masterful. Kinnear and Pepper also give intense performances. Ms. Stowe is also very genuine as the wife of Lt. Col Moore.
Much of the two plus hours is riddled with bullets, bombs and bodies. The screenplay does counter balance our mission with the mission of soldiers who are protecting and fighting for their own country. They go out of their way to humanize the enemy in a way to change this film from its predecessors. It gives you a sense of honor but equally a since of sadness for the loss of life and the political and military travesty that was Vietnam.

My 16 year old son and I both agreed it was well done and not nearly as predictable as one might think.
If you like a war Genre movie this is one that will fill your stomach with anxiety, you're eyes with tears and your heart with emotion. Great use of music, lighting, and special effects. It is also one movie not to be misse d on the big screen it surely will not be as big on a TV.
I will stop short of saying this was an awesome film. It did have greatness in it. But with all the messages within the film why they were fighting this battle seem to be lost.
Four strong stars out of five