Posted on 08/13/2005 10:07:45 AM PDT by curtisgardner
I saw it, and found it to be a muddled mess of a movie (sorry for the alliteration). There were plot holes galore, subplots abandoned, and most of the acting was awful. And I wanted things blown up better at the end; it was nothing special.
However, being a WWII historian, perhaps I'm a bit harsh.
Ollie North said last night that it is a "must see."
I'll take a "pasasdena"...
Semper Fi,
Kelly
seeing it today
I live near Bridgeport Connecticut, the home of Col. Mucci. He returned home from the war and settled down to a comparatively quiet life. He started the Key Auto dealership in Bridgeport (still in business) and for years had copies of photos & etc. relating to the raid on the wall there. Quite an interesting story. There's also a section of state road (Route 25) called the "Col. Henry Mucci Highway".
We're going to the 4:05PM showing.
I will wait and see the critic reviews. If they hate it then I will probably like it.
guess we will see you there :)
I went and saw it last nite and loved it. Didn't see a whole lot of young people in there.
At the end people started clapping.
I was in tears during parts of the movie.
Had also learned a little history.
Saw it and liked it (7:00PM movie, went and got my book signed by Boortz at 4:00PM) . Good crowd mix. Groups of young GIs, family groups and elderly couples. Very, very few single seats open here and there.
The battle was well done, none of the massive explosions sending 20 bodies each flipping through the air. As with all true life book to movie transactions you have to pick out a few of the characters and wrap the stoy around them.
All in all I'd say a good movie of a true event. I'll get the DVD when it come out.
I liked it...
No, it was no astounding Hollywood production and the acting was not flawless, but I was not too concerned with that.
I feel like the battle scenes were believable and I thought they told the story well.
A miracle...Rescuing so many men behind Japanese lines with only 120 Rangers and one KIA.
I saw it! It wasn't perfect, but it was great anyway. I thought the acting was great, just may have not been a perfect script. But I really enjoyed it. I'm not a historian, but from what I have read and my dad who was there had told me, they stick pretty true to the characters and story. Terrific raid scene and at the end they show loads of real footage- that will have you riveted. Not a single person got up to leave before the credits were done and lights were on, and they even applauded!
Here is a review that the WaPO did that I think it a good one:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/11/AR2005081101994.html
The movie looks a little hokey in the previews, but Michael Medved gave it 4 stars and I'm inclined to trust his judgement. So I'll probably go see it.
The last war movie I liked was Saving Private Ryan -- an excellent film except for the parts with Matt Damon. That hyper-realistic opening sequence is incredible. It's like being there.
I recently watched We Were Soldiers and Das Boot, both of which were disappointing -- though Das Boot was just a hair away from being good. The second-rate foley work in the overdubbed version killed the vibe. With subtitles and the original sounds, I might give Das Boot a thumbs up.
Sadly, my other favorite war movies are pure leftist agitprop: Full Metal Jacket and Apocalypse Now. But both were so brilliantly done that I can't help but enjoy watching them.
Did you ever see Devils Brigade? That is one of the best ever.
As far as your two selections, may I suggest renting "Tour of Duty". It dates back to 1987, but is fairly accurate tactically (taking into account they have to get their bodies and faces in the screen), and the story lines are sometimes corny, but season three picks up a lot as they begin working with MACV SOG.
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