Act of Valor - See this film

[Osmium Steele]

Disclaimer alert. Obviously, what follows are my opinions only.

I'm sure most posters to this site have heard of this film and plan to see it at some time or another. I recommend this film wholeheartedly. Was it Fantastic!? No. But it was Wonderful. It wasn't the best movie ever, but I don't recall ever seeing a film like it.

Ever since Catch-22, military related scripts needed to show damaged, insane, corrupt, criminal or conflicted characters to be deemed watchable by Hollywood. This is NOT that movie. On the other hand, it is not a chest thumping, flag waving festival of jingoism either.

The macro issues simply do not factor into the film for one simple reason. None of that crap is operation critical, and this film is all about the team and the op.

For those who have not heard of the film, a plot summary.

Operators from SEAL Team 7 are dispatched to Costa Rica to rescue a captured US agent from a drug cartel.

The intel gleaned from the operation reveals a much larger concern. International Bad Guys are bringing the war to America.

Action ensues...

The SEALs win. The End.

This film started as a recruiting advertisment for the US Navy, filming the SEALs in action, even using live fire. It soon morphed into a feature film, eventually with DoD blessing.

A few bullet points as a quick and dirty review. I don't do this for a living, so if you want character/actor names tough. Check IMDB, though you won't find the actual names of the SEALs there either.

1. There is some voice-over narration throughout, and though a purpose is revealed in the end, I always contend it covers up some sub-par writing.

2. During the entire Costa Rica op, I honestly felt I was playing MW3 or Call of Duty. The pace, the terminology, the tactics and especially the cinematography are so similar it had to be intentional. An homage if you will.

3. The two main protagonists cannot act. They're SEALs, not Julliard graduates. It is distracting at first, but quickly fades. The Senior Chief, however, has a career in movies if he wants one.

4. One of the villains is rather one dimensional, but the other is wonderful and didn't get enough screen time. Watch it, you'll see what I mean.

5. Roselyn Sanchez - 'nuff said.

6. Sanitized for your protection. If you want blood and guts, watch SAW. If you want action, firefights and 'splosions, buy a ticket.

I have had the honor and privilege of knowing, working and serving with more than a few special operators and members of their support teams. This film does an admirable job of capturing the folks I've known.

Yup. Go see it.

[nikimcbee]

This film started as a recruiting advertisment for the US Navy, filming the SEALs in action, even using live fire. It soon morphed into a feature film, eventually with DoD blessing.

So they got sick of Tom Cruise too. (see Top Gun)

2. During the entire Costa Rica op, I honestly felt I was playing MW3 or Call of Duty. The pace, the terminology, the tactics and especially the cinematography are so similar it had to be intentional. An homage if you will.

So do the bad guys bunny hop then?

[krashkart]

Originally Posted by nikimcbee

(see Top Gun)

Right away, sir!
*netflix*




I thought Act of Valor looked like an interesting movie. I mean, how often do you get to watch a movie starring actual Navy SEALs? Will definitely give it a watch when I have the opportunity.

[TLAM Strike]

Originally Posted by Osmium Steele

3. The two main protagonists cannot act. They're SEALs, not Julliard graduates. It is distracting at first, but quickly fades. The Senior Chief, however, has a career in movies if he wants one.

Shame for the two leads, lucky for the Senior Chief; because its very possible their careers as SEALs is over.

Any operation in the future that would require them to be in country and covert among its population would be compromised.

Plus even worse: now bad guys around the world have faces of some real SEALs to work with, and this is the organization who just killed OBL. Someone just got prime targets for revenge.

[Osmium Steele]

Originally Posted by TLAM Strike

Shame for the two leads, lucky for the Senior Chief; because its very possible their careers as SEALs is over.

Any operation in the future that would require them to be in country and covert among its population would be compromised.

Plus even worse: now bad guys around the world have faces of some real SEALs to work with, and this is the organization who just killed OBL. Someone just got prime targets for revenge.

Issues which I'm sure they, and the DoD, considered VERY carefully before going ahead with the project. I recall reading that the guys were not concerned with thier safety nor that of their families.

I'll not second guess their judgement on this as I am sure they operate from better information than I.

[nikimcbee]

rottentomatoes has it at 30%

[krashkart]

Originally Posted by nikimcbee

rottentomatoes has it at 30%

Whadda they know?

[volcanostephen]

Rush Limbaugh recommended this movie. I might go see it with a friend of mine.

[nikimcbee]

Originally Posted by krashkart

Whadda they know?

You are correct good sir! After some further research Rotten tomatoes movie critics had it at 30%, user reviews at 85%.

I just got back from seeing it and:

I liked the end, but you could see it coming from a 100 miles away.

It did remind me a lot of the CoD Modern Warfare storyline.

Hurray for the PBRs.