Sleight of Film

Today’s quick review: Lone Survivor. Navy SEALs Marcus Luttrell (Mark Wahlberg), Michael Murphy (Taylor Kitsch), Danny Dietz (Emile Hirsch), and Matt Axelson (Ben Foster) are sent to a remote village in Afghanistan in search of a high-value Taliban target. But when the operation is compromised, Marcus and his men are surrounded by Taliban gunmen and forced to fight their way down a mountain in the face of overwhelming odds.

Lone Survivor is a war drama that tells the true story of a team of Navy SEALs struggling to survive in Taliban-controlled territory after a mission gone wrong. Luttrell, Murphy, Dietz, and Axelson sustain massive injuries in their push to get off the mountain, but their SEAL training and devotion to one another keep them fighting to the very end. Brutal combat, realistic characters, and a focused plot make Lone Survivor a powerful tale of survival.

Lone Survivor presents its events with a mixture of frankness and reverence. The wistful soundtrack and the courage on display are clear tributes to the men involved in the incident, while the bloody and frantic action captures the desperation of a situation going from bad to worse. The movie manages to find a good balance between sentiment and action. The result is a captivating watch with plenty of raw action and a strong emotional payoff.

Lone Survivor is a solid pick for anyone interested in a remarkable story about grit, brotherhood, and determination. The scope of the story will feel narrow to some viewers, and not everyone will appreciate its reverential tone. But for most viewers, Lone Survivor makes for a tense and rewarding movie that does an excellent job of portraying its subject matter. Those looking for action with more escapism should steer clear.

For a similarly desperate escape from enemy territory, try Black Hawk Down. For another true story about modern warfare, try American Sniper. For a fictional action movie about Navy SEALs, try Act of Valor.

7.5 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for solid presentation of an impressive story.

Today’s quick review: Black Hawk Down. In 1993, the United States sends troops into Somalia to overthrow Mohamed Farrah Aidid, the warlord starving the country. Seizing on an opportunity to capture Aidid’s inner circle, General Garrison (Sam Shepard) orders a daring raid into Mogadishu. But when a Black Hawk helicopter is shot down in a hostile section of the city, Sergeant Eversmann (Josh Hartnett) and his Rangers are sent in to effect a rescue.

Black Hawk Down is a war drama from director Ridley Scott. Black Hawk Down tells the true story of a US helicopter downed in a war zone and the ensuing rescue mission. The movie is a visceral look at a heated battle, following the troops on the ground as they try to manage a situation going from bad to worse. Black Hawk Down’s gripping combat scenes and compelling subject matter make it a worthwhile watch for viewers who can stomach the gore.

Black Hawk Down is notable for the scale of its conflict. What begins as a simple snatch-and-grab mission turns into a protracted urban shootout as the troops sent to the crash site, led by Sergeant Eversmann, take severe enemy fire. The danger, the violence, and the raw chaos of the battle are captured by the film’s flashy special effects and heavy casualty rate. The result is a movie chock full of noisy, messy combat and plenty of close calls.

All of this makes Black Hawk Down a very specific type of war movie: one focused on an entire battle, rather than an individual group of soldiers. The movie does give the spotlight to Eversmann and his men, but there are nearly half a dozen groups of soldiers caught in similar situations, painting a comprehensive picture of the battle. The movie does find the time for some characterization, but the main focus is always on the fighting itself.

Black Hawk Down is an intense watch that will appeal to fans of visceral, non-stop action. The high degree of violence and lack of a strong personal angle will put off some viewers, but the frantic, desperate nature of the battle is something few other war movies can replicate. Those interested in the premise will find what they’re looking for. For another war drama that about a rescue mission gone wrong, try Saving Private Ryan.

7.7 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for sheer gritty spectacle.

Today’s quick review: The Patriot. At the outset of the American Revolution, Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson), a widower and a father of seven, chooses to take care of his family rather than fight. But when Colonel William Tavington (Jason Isaacs), a heartless British dragoon, murders one of his sons, Benjamin takes up arms as a colonel in the Continental Army, leading the South Carolina militia against the forces of General Cornwallis (Tom Wilkinson).

The Patriot is a war drama set during the Revolutionary War. Mel Gibson stars as Benjamin Martin, a retired soldier who put his violent past behind him to start a family. Now, with British soldiers committing atrocities on his doorstep, Martin has no choice but to fight for his country. The Patriot is a solidly constructed drama whose grounded characters, meaningful themes, and thrilling battles capture the essence of the American Revolution.

The Patriot shows the uphill struggle faced by American troops in the Revolutionary War. Martin makes use of crafty and unconventional tactics to fight the British, in contrast to both the old-fashioned thinking of Cornwallis and the war crimes perpetrated by Tavington. The fight choreography is not as precise as in comparable movies, but it conveys the key dynamics of the battles, and its intensity helps sell the importance of the conflict.

The Patriot also ties the war to the personal story of a father who has to leave his family in order to save them. Mel Gibson’s performance is the glue that holds the film together, conveying the love and regret that drive Martin, while Jason Isaacs makes for a disturbingly effective villain as Tavington. The emotional beats of the story are simple but effective, and they are backed by strong dialogue and good supporting character moments.

Watch The Patriot when you’re in the mood for a dramatic but uplifting story. The clear-cut moral conflict and fairly predictable plot will not speak to everyone, while the action is not quite as spectacular as in some films. But the strength of its characters, the skillful flourishes with the dialogue and dramatic tension, and the ideals it brings to life are enough to make The Patriot a great watch for the right viewer.

For another drama set in the historical South, try Gone with the Wind. For another tale of rebellion starring Mel Gibson, try Braveheart. For a drama with a similar protagonist and tone, try Gladiator.

7.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 to 8.0 for capable storytelling.

Today’s quick review: 6 Days. On April 30, 1980, Arab terrorists take over the Iranian embassy in London, taking over two dozen hostages. Chief Inspector Max Vernon (Mark Strong) attempts to negotiate with Salim (Ben Turner), the leader of the terrorists, but only succeeds in stalling for time. Meanwhile, Lance Corporal Rusty Firmin (Jamie Bell) of the SAS Special Projects Team prepares his men to raid the embassy if negotiations break down.

6 Days is a crime thriller based on a true story. 6 Days depicts the response of the British police, military, and press to a hostage standoff at the Iranian embassy. The movie captures the delicate nature of the negotiations, the political pressures involved, and the phases of preparation the SAS team goes through, all leading up to a final confrontation. Solid craftsmanship and an eye for detail make 6 Days a decent watch.

6 Days has a couple of aspects that help carry it. Chief among these is the performance of Mark Strong as Max Vernon, a hostage negotiator who genuinely wants to prevent the situation from ending in bloodshed. At the same time, the rigorous preparations of Rusty and his men show just how complicated an assault on prepared targets can be. The parallel threads of negotiation and force give the movie a comprehensive perspective on a complicated situation.

Even so, 6 Days is not as heartfelt, as elaborate, or as thrilling as other movies in a similar vein. There is no grand plan for the terrorists, only a volatile situation and a set of impossible demands. There is a human angle as Max and Salim attempt to find some sort of common ground over the phone, but there’s only so far they can go. And while there is some action, it is closer to a historical record rather than thrills for their own sake.

Watch 6 Days is you are interested in the political and tactical realities of a hostage situation. 6 Days does a good job of presenting its subject matter, telling a succinct story that covers precisely what it needs to. But it’s missing some of the raw appeal of fictional crime movies and dramas that dive deeper into the human side of things. Accommodating viewers will find it worthwhile; viewers with high standards can do better.

For another tense hostage situation, try The Negotiator, Mad City, or Dog Day Afternoon. For another true story about a major criminal incident in modern Britin, try The Bank Job. For a more plot-oriented hostage standoff, check out Inside Man.

6.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for solid pieces without the extra power needed to stand out.

Today’s quick review: Mine. Marine sniper Mike Stevens (Armie Hammer) and his spotter Tommy (Tom Cullen) are trekking through the desert when Tommy is badly injured by a landmine. As Mike goes to help, he steps on another one and is forced to stay where he is to avoid setting it off. With the nearest help over two days away and only a passing Berber (Clint Dyer) in sight, Mike must figure out how to keep himself alive long enough for rescue to come.

Mine is a war movie and psychological drama about a Marine trapped on a landmine. Mike Stevens faces dehydration, the elements, and his own inner demons as he struggles to survive. Mine aims to be a powerful tale of perseverance that digs deeply into its protagonist’s psyche. The movie’s high ambitions lead to some clever moments and some emotional heft, but it lacks the fine touch needed to make its themes feel natural and rewarding.

Mine has a tendency to overplay its hand. Instead of focusing on Mike’s predicament and letting the psychological drama happen organically, the movie is explicit about the connection between the mine and his inner demons. Regrets about his childhood, his relationship with Jenny (Annabelle Wallis), and going off to war weigh heavy on Mike’s mind. These are interesting themes to explore, but their discussion within the story is fairly blunt.

Mine can also be difficult to follow. For the sake of drama, the movie plays coy about just what’s been eating at Mike. But this leads to flashbacks without context that become downright confusing as Mike starts to hallucinate. Still, even with these drawbacks, the strength of Mine’s ideas shines through. Mine tries too hard to be dramatic and to deliver a message, but along the way it pulls off some clever tricks, all within a limited premise.

Mine is an odd movie that will not appeal to everyone. Those who appreciate the puzzle of constructing a minimalistic and highly personal film will find it to be an interesting watch, albeit one with some flaws. Those hoping for a more conventional war drama or a more straightforward tale of survival will probably want to look elsewhere.

For another tale of survival in a harsh environment, try Moon, The Martian, or 127 Hours. For a more mundane journey into one man’s psyche, try Locke.

5.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for bold ideas and mixed execution.

Today’s quick review: The Hurt Locker. After an Army bomb disposal technician (Guy Pearce) is killed in the line of duty, Staff Sergeant William James (Jeremy Renner) takes his place. James’ reckless style immediately puts him at odds with his team, consisting of Sergeant JT Sanborn (Anthony Mackie) and Specialist Owen Elridge (Brian Geraghty). To survive their last month in Baghdad, the men must find the right balance between boldness and caution.

The Hurt Locker is a war drama that steps inside the lives of an OED team during the Iraq War. James, Sanborn, and Elridge face death on a daily basis, whether it’s in the form of a roadside bomb, a car full of explosives, or an enemy with a gun. The Hurt Locker specializes in tense situations that never go according to plan. High tension, multifaceted characters, and a couple of powerful gut punches make the film an engrossing watch.

The Hurt Locker is as much about James, Sanborn, and Elridge as the bombs they dispose of. James is a risk-taker in an already risky profession, putting lives on the line to finish the job as quickly as possible. In contrast, Sanborn is cautious to a fault, and Elridge struggles to handle the pressure. The psychological angle ties the film together thematically, turning a series of incidents into the story of three men trying to hold it together.

How much you get out of The Hurt Locker will depend on your taste in drama. The film’s bleak tone and mature content will be too much for some viewers, while others will dislike the reactive nature of the action, in contrast to the proactive nature of traditional war movies. But for those willing to invest in the characters and situations, The Hurt Locker is a well-crafted movie with a lot to offer.

For a thriller from the same director, try Zero Dark Thirty. For a less eventful portrait of military life, try Jarhead. For a more scathing take on war and the military, try Full Metal Jacket. For another look at the hardships of war, try Saving Private Ryan.

7.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for robust and effective drama.

Today’s quick review: Zero Dark Thirty. In the years after 9/11, Maya (Jessica Chastain), a CIA analyst stationed in Pakistan, works diligently to track down Osama bin Laden. Maya finally gets the break she needs when she finds out the name of bin Laden’s personal courier. But with no concrete intel to back up her intuition, she faces an uphill battle to convince station chief Joseph Bradley (Kyle Chandler) that the lead is worth pursuing.

Zero Dark Thirty is a spy thriller about the hunt for Osama bin Laden. Jessica Chastain stars as Maya, a CIA analyst determined to see her investigation through to the end. Maya faces dead ends, misinformation, and skepticism from her superiors, all while she chases a lead that has a thin chance of bearing fruit. Zero Dark Thirty is a comprehensive and factual look at one of the most prominent American intelligence operations in recent history.

Zero Dark Thirty has a knack for putting the audience in the thick of the action. Interrogations, surveillance tactics, high-level political decisions, terrorist attacks, and military raids all come to life on the screen. The movie is meticulous about laying out the chain of events leading to the location of bin Laden, and both its capable acting and crisp presentation style are a great fit for the subject matter.

The tradeoff is that Zero Dark Thirty is not a personal story in the same way other depictions of real-world events tend to be. The spotlight is on Maya for most of the film, but her story comes second to the broader investigation. The movie sneaks in a handful of small character moments where a setback has a personal effect on Maya, but these are never long or distracting. The result is drama that’s largely delivered with professional detachment.

Zero Dark Thirty is a solid pick for anyone interested in either the hunt for Osama bin Laden or the workings of a modern intelligence operation more broadly. The movie will not appeal much to viewers who prefer more fictionalized stories with an emotional focus. But those willing to spend the time and attention will find it to be a frank drama that does justice to its subject matter.

For a fictional thriller about intelligence operations in the Middle East, try Traitor, Body of Lies, The Kingdom, or Syriana. For a historical look at the inner workings of the CIA, try The Good Shepherd. If you’re interested in a lighter drama starring Jessica Chastain, check out Molly’s Game.

7.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for a comprehensive look at a major intelligence operation.

Today’s quick review: Act of Valor. When CIA agent Lisa Morales (Roselyn Sanchez) is kidnapped while investigating Christo (Alex Veadov), a wealthy international smuggler, SEAL Team 7 is sent in to rescue her. The intelligence gathered during the mission points to a connection between Christo and Abu Shabal (Jason Cottle), a wanted terrorist. Now the team must race to catch Shabal before he can launch a devastating attack on the United States.

Act of Valor is an action movie that follows a team of Navy SEALs on a globe-spanning mission to stop a terrorist attack. Act of Valor’s main claim to fame is its use of actual Navy SEALs for its cast. The SEALs’ inexperience leads to some mediocre acting, with flat exposition and dialogue that varies between too formal and too friendly. In exchange, Act of Valor gains access to professional-looking action that shows off a variety of SEAL tactics.

Act of Valor works well as an action movie. The stunts are varied and plentiful, the SEALs are always interesting to watch, and the movie has a keen eye for logistical details and tactics. Act of Valor isn’t stingy with its action, while a few flourishes like first-person camera work keep things feeling immediate. However, like other action movies, there isn’t much to Act of Valor’s plot, and its attempts at emotional impact are only partially succesful.

Act of Valor is a solid pick for anyone in the mood for pure action. The movie’s simple plot and middling performances keep it from reaching the heights of other movies, but the action scenes are engaging and even the weaker parts of the movie pull their weight. Fans of the genre should give it a shot. Those hoping for something with more depth to it may want to pass.

For a less action movie about an elite group of warriors, try The Expendables. For a more sober look at military life, try Jarhead or Flags of Our Fathers.

6.5 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for straightforward, satisfying action.

Today’s quick review: American Sniper. Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper), a Texas ranch hand, decides to serve his country and prove his mettle by becoming a Navy SEAL. After months of training, first as a SEAL and then as a sniper, Kyle is deployed to Iraq, where he earns a reputation as one of America’s deadliest snipers. But as Kyle goes back for tour after tour, the separation takes its toll on his relationship with his wife Taya (Sienna Miller).

American Sniper is a biographical war drama from director Clint Eastwood. The movie tells the story of Chris Kyle, the sniper with the most kills in US military history. American Sniper follows Kyle on the battlefield, where his steady nerves and sharpshooting make him an invaluable ally, and back home, where the memories of war keep him from reconnecting with his wife. Solid craftsmanship and careful treatment of its subject matter make it a good pick.

American Sniper finds a nice balance between combat, personal drama, and the bare facts of Kyle’s life. The combat scenes are tense without tipping over into unrealistic, and they are tied together by Kyle’s ongoing hunt for Mustafa (Sammy Sheik), a skilled enemy sniper. The personal side of the film is handled tactfully, showing the changes to Kyle’s personality brought on by war as well as the emotional bonds and convictions that help him come back home.

American Sniper makes for a mature, sober portrayal of war, as seen through the eyes of one of its most successful practitioners. It does not have the exaggerated action of fictional war movies nor the scathing commentary of darker dramas, but its honest depiction of its subject matter gives it a strong appeal for anyone interested in the modern military. Those looking for something more colorful may want to steer clear.

For a war movie with a more elaborate plot, try Saving Private Ryan. For the true story of a less eventful deployment, check out Jarhead. For another war movie from Clint Eastwood, try Flags of Our Fathers or Letters from Iwo Jima.

7.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for craft and balance.

Today’s quick review: Sniper: Special Ops. While on a mission to rescue a Congressman taken captive in Afghanistan, Army sniper Jake Chandler (Steven Seagal) gets separated from the rest of his unit, prompting Sergeant Victor Mosby (Tim Abell) to launch an unauthorized mission to go back for him. However, their mission is complicated by the presence of Janet Conrad (Charlene Amoia), an embedded journalist who wants to be at the center of the action.

Sniper: Special Ops is a budget action movie about an elite Army unit that returns to a war zone to rescue one of their comrades. Sniper: Special Ops aims to be a gripping tale of heroism in the face of adversity, but it misses its target by a wide margin. Flimsy acting, a jumbled plot, slow pacing, and half-baked action sequences all undermine what credibility the movie has. The result is a flawed movie that only ever seems to make a token effort.

Sniper: Special Ops has pervasive issues that keep it from working as either an action movie or a war drama. The combat scenes are handicapped by a low budget and a dearth of imagination. Enemies run around with no cover, shots are exchanged without much enthusiasm, and the lack of atmosphere makes the whole thing seem artificial. Sniper: Special Ops does offer the audience a decent amount of action, but it’s never as tense or meaningful as it should be.

The storytelling runs into similar problems. Deliberately or not, Sniper: Special Ops has a plot that sidelines Steven Seagal for almost the whole film, instead focusing on unrelated plot threads while the rescue mission slowly gets underway. The movie attempts to stir up interest by hinting at a larger conspiracy, but the clues Victor notices never actually go anywhere. The whole thing is topped off with dubious performances and an excess of dialogue.

Sniper: Special Ops may hold modest value for fans of the budget action genre, but even there it is outclassed by movies with more skill, creativity, and ambition. The movie manages to avoid any truly atrocious moments, but its frequent mistakes and lack of clear strengths make it a dull watch.

For a war movie that tries something similar to better effect, try Jarhead 2: Field of Fire. For a better look at modern warn, try Act of Valor or The Hurt Locker. For a much more engaging action thriller about a sniper, try Shooter.

3.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 4.0 for lackluster action backed by a weak story.