Tell Me That You'll Open Your Eyes

(Alternatively titled: Finally, something to blog about)

I suck, I haven't written anything in almost two weeks. We haven't seen any movies in this time, because there wasn't anything that looked good. Plus we've been really busy rehabbing the house my brother bought, going to weddings, that sort of thing. Anyway, finally saw a movie last night that I recommend to everyone.

Stop-Loss: (Summary via IMDB)

A veteran soldier returns from his completed tour of duty in Iraq, only to find his life turned upside down when he is arbitrarily ordered to return to field duty by the Army

It starred Ryan Phillipe, Channing Tatum, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Abbie Cornish.

My Take: I thought it was really good. I think that it's an important topic that needs to be discussed, and it's one that often gets glossed over for the sake of "patriotism" and "national security." It raises a lot of questions about what defines bravery, honor, duty, and patriotism. To be honest, I'm not usually a fan of movies with a Big Message, but I thought this was really good. It wasn't cramming anything down your throat, it just presented a problem that a lot of soldiers are facing and different reactions people have post war.

What I also liked about it is that it wasn't really about the war. There wasn't really a political message there. It was about the soldiers and the conflicts they face personally. It was very pro-soldier.

There were some particularly powerful performances from Ryan Phillipe and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, but it was well acted all around. I was happy to see Channing Tatum in something where he wasn't dancing (Although after seeing him in that uniform, I'm even more convinced he'll do well for GI Joe.)

I only have two problems with it. One, Brandon goes AWOL (I'm not giving anything away, this is in the trailer). I'm no expert, but isn't this a big offense? Shouldn't he go to jail? Two, the ending. It was fairly obvious what was going to happen, but I guess it was the realistic choice.

I highly recommend this to everyone as it is an important topic facing so many people today, especially as long as we remain in Iraq.

8 comments:

Avitable said...

That's one I'm looking forward to seeing.

Nothing's been happening at all over the last two weeks?

Robin said...

Gordon-Levitt is always good.

The Ferryman said...

Very cool. I agree, there has not been much worth seeing lately.

I'll check it out!

Amanda said...

Avitable- Sadly, just a lot of painting.

Robin- He really grew up well

Mr. Fab- I want to see Run Fat Boy Run next

Avitable said...

I saw Run Fatboy Run about a month ago at a press screening. Simon Pegg was good in it, and so was his friend, who's played by a guy from Shaun of the Dead. The movie itself, though, was a bit cliched.

Amanda said...

Avitable- I'll see anything that has Simon Pegg in it

Avitable said...

That's why I saw it too. He's definitely good in it. He's just too good for it!

Amanda said...

Avitable- It's hard to live up to Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz