Home of the Brave

Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Jessica Biel, Brian Presley, 50 Cent, Christina Ricci, Chad Michael Murray
Directed by: Irwin Winkler
Rating: R
Genre: Action, Drama, War
2006

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Follows four Iraq War veterans (Samuel L. Jackson, Jessica Biel, Brian Presley, 50 Cent) as they return home from war and struggle to readjust to regular life.

Review:

Tim: This movie is an easy target. The film itself certainly does enough wrong to warrant great criticism. While I certainly didn't love this movie, I felt like it did a few things right. I liked the film trying to show what it is like for U.S. soldiers to make the transition from war to civilian life. This has been done before, but not with the recent Iraq War (at least to my knowledge). The film also establishes an interesting cast.

It seems to me that Samuel L. Jackson goes back and forth between being a terrific actor and just not caring. When he wants to, he is capable of some truly excellent performances. However, this is not one of them. This felt like one of Jackson's paycheck roles, and he's just not believable. He has several opportunities to scream and yell and act quite dramatic. He seems almost laughable in these scenes.

Jessica Biel is not awful, although her acting is very often stiff and not believable. Plus, it was difficult watching her with her missing limb. Brian Presley gives the film's best performance. I've never even heard of this guy, but he was very enjoyable to watch on screen. He gives a mostly strong performance. 50 Cent is not a great actor, and that is evident during every second he is on screen. He does have the film's best line (during one of the therapy scenes). Chad Michael Murray has a throwaway role, and Christina Ricci makes a likewise worthwhile performance.

There's much I didn't like about this movie, but I gave it the benefit of the doubt for some of this. The movie tries hard to give us a glimpse into the tough transition from war to civilian life, and I do appreciate that attempt. However, the film is quite flawed, and you can do better.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 6



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Rendition, Rambo, Three Kings, The Kingdom