[Movie Review] Jarhead

[Sazar]

Let me preface this review by saying I had a lot of mixed feelings before watching this movie. I had heard good and bad things but since I don't really listen to a lot of the chatter, it didn't adversly influence me one way or the other.

With regards to the movie, I think I have to applaud Sam Mendes into turning a documentary style book into a great movie. It's not a classic by any means. Certainly no Saving Private Ryan or Platoon or Apocalypse Now but certainly every bit as engrossing as a Thin Red Line and other movies that devote themselves to development not only of the character but the scenario around them. It is akin to Platoon in its characters but the environment is very different.

And what a lovely environment it is. The cinematography really has to be commended and I am hopeful this movie gets recognition someplace for its fabulous landscapes. The music also is great. I just got back from the store after having bought the OST. A great CD, recommended to all.

The story itself is straight-forward, following the life of Swofford as he goes through the ranks and into battle during desert storm. I am not going to discuss this part simply because I feel everyone should develop their own likes and dislikes based on THEIR viewing

The acting is excellent and there are a lot of real-life situations that the guys experience. Love/hate/relationships and the like. The pacing is also very good. Some may not like it because it is a little slow but heck, even Shawshank was a snails crawl but a FABULOUS movie.

Overall I give this movie a 4/5 OSNN star rating. Not quite a date flick so keep that in mind.

 

[Smurfinaus]

Let me preface this review by saying I had a lot of mixed feelings before watching this movie. I had heard good and bad things but since I don't really listen to a lot of the chatter, it didn't adversly influence me one way or the other.

With regards to the movie, I think I have to applaud Sam Mendes into turning a documentary style book into a great movie. It's not a classic by any means. Certainly no Saving Private Ryan or Platoon or Apocalypse Now but certainly every bit as engrossing as a Thin Red Line and other movies that devote themselves to development not only of the character but the scenario around them. It is akin to Platoon in its characters but the environment is very different.

And what a lovely environment it is. The cinematography really has to be commended and I am hopeful this movie gets recognition someplace for its fabulous landscapes. The music also is great. I just got back from the store after having bought the OST. A great CD, recommended to all.

The story itself is straight-forward, following the life of Swofford as he goes through the ranks and into battle during desert storm. I am not going to discuss this part simply because I feel everyone should develop their own likes and dislikes based on THEIR viewing

The acting is excellent and there are a lot of real-life situations that the guys experience. Love/hate/relationships and the like. The pacing is also very good. Some may not like it because it is a little slow but heck, even Shawshank was a snails crawl but a FABULOUS movie.

Overall I give this movie a 4/5 OSNN star rating. Not quite a date flick so keep that in mind.

Pretty much sums it up. I was surprised because i thought it would be an action action movie..it wasnt but i liked it anyway....Definitely not a waste of money..:smoker:

 

[Geffy]

does it comes off as more than just an american propaganda movie trying to show the struggle of the american soldier. ie 'Over There'

 

[Sazar]

This not a propaganda movie, no. It's a movie about the life of a marine. That's basically it.

 

[Geffy]

ooh, I might actually bother to watch it then

 

[X-Istence]

This is definitly not a propaganda movie, and I enjoyed it thoroughly when I went to watch it. I came out with an entirely different view of what the marines go through in any kind of setting, and how after being in battle it takes a long time getting used to real life again.

 

[Son Goku]

When previews for the movie first came out; I too was expecting a PR type film, and so had an initial cold reaction to it...

Anyhow, don't let the previews fool you... Despite my original mis-givings, when it came to theaters, I do go and see it; and was not at all what I was expecting. It's a decent watch...

 

[Mainframeguy]

... Not quite a date flick so keep that in mind.

unless you're in the forces maybe Seriously I think you should elaborate somewhat on that point though, because I think i know what you refer to...

Nice review though, that one criticism aside. It has enabled me to make my decision to give this one a miss at the cinema anyway (will likely rent the DVD when i feel up to some "tough" viewing).

Now I really should get around to posting a review of a DVD I rented over the weekend.... If I ever find the time!

 

[omg its nlm]

I really liked it, I came into the movie thinking it would be something differnt than what I expected. Turned out to be a good movie.