Stop-Loss

Starring: Ryan Phillippe, Channing Tatum, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Abbie Cornish, Timothy Olyphant
Directed by: Kimberly Peirce
Rating: R
Genre: Drama, War
2008

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Three U.S. soldiers (Ryan Phillippe, Channing Tatum, Joseph Gordon-Levitt) return home from Iraq and find the adjustment difficult. When one of them is stop-lossed, he decides to go AWOL, rather than head back to Iraq against his will.

Review:

Tim: I have just about had it with these Iraq War movies. I’ve said that before, but they just keep coming. I understand the artistic need to make a commentary on these difficult times we’re living in, but this is also a recipe for escapism, and those are the types of movies I’m leaning toward right now. However, to be fair, there is always a need for a well-made, interesting film that comments on war. Stop-Loss tries to be it. While it mostly failures, I will submit that the movie does highlight a terrible practice in stop-lossing. I wasn’t aware this was occurring, and the movie really shows the horrible impact this has on our soldiers.

This movie works when it centers on a small band of U.S. soldiers returning home. Ryan Phillippe, Channing Tatum, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt are all believable and enjoyable as U.S. veterans. There are some terrific scenes about their difficult readjustment to civilian life. But, this is a social commentary movie, so the stop-loss takes place, and this is when the movie begins to lose its life. The plot here is weak, and we’re taken on a 45-50 minute journey that ultimately goes nowhere.

Phillippe was surprisingly enjoyable. He has some opportunity to showcase his acting ability, and the emotional scene in the graveyard near the end highlights his excellent job. He’s terrific in this scene. Channing Tatum is mostly forgettable. He doesn’t seem like an overly intelligent actor. Gordon-Levitt has some good scenes as well, but he is hard to like here. Abbie Cornish gives a good performance. Timothy Olyphant didn’t even need to be in this movie, as he has a throwaway role. The movie is really about Phillippe, though, and although I still question his merits, I do find myself admitting he’s a very good actor more than I’d like.

The movie suffers from being too bland in some situations, to being too predictable in others. Director Kimberly Peirce did a better job with Boys Don’t Cry. I didn’t hate this movie, but it doesn’t do enough to stand apart, especially considering the many films commenting on the Iraq War. This is a forgettable piece that isn’t particularly powerful or memorable. It didn’t need to be made.



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 6



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend:
The Kingdom, Rendition, Jarhead, Crash