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Trust Weighted
Good
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83Trust Points
BrianSez's Review
Summary - Good 3.0
Mel Gibson stars as Lt. Col Hal Moore in battle of la Drang Valley in Vietnam (aka “The Valley of Death”) — a seemingly impossible situation for the 395 men dropped in to the heart of a valley occupied by 4000 enemy. In general, the movie was an engaging focus on the preparation and eventual battle, and a must-see for war-movie fans. If you are only a casual war-movie sort, the movie will probably drag on a bit long.
Acting - OK 2.5
Mel does a decent job — but there was something about the preachy mannerisms that didn’t sit so well. I think he does better in those macho roles that don’t require so much talking :) Greg Kinnear is recognizeable but only average as Maj Bruce ‘Snake’ Crandall, Chris Klein makes an appearance, but you don’t see much. Sam Elliot makes a perfect gruff first seargeant constantly muttering statements only comprehensable by other soldiers.
Male Stars - OK 2.5
Female Stars - OK 2.5
Female Costars - OK 2.5
Male Costars - OK 2.5
Film - Good 3.0
The film definitely has its moments: heartfelt speeches and grittly battle scenes. The music and action was a bit melodramatic for my taste, but I may be spoiled, just having re-watched “Saving Private Ryan” and “Band of Brothers”.