STOP LOSS (2008)

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How many more Iraq war movies Hollywood has to make to remind us that that those are all left-wing movies that make military or the armed forces look bad. STOP-LOSS doesn’t go too far from that either. Yes it does celebrate our soldiers and uplift them as heroes, deservingly so but it’s more for those who grow up watching MTV and other teen dramas. It has… a few great moments where you can connect with the characters and their struggle but somehow it would be better if it was a made for TV movie or a miniseries on HBO rather than a full length feature film that tries to appear like it’s Oscar-worthy.

I admire the visuals of this movie. The battle in the beginning scene reminds you of the intensity in the last 30 minutes of The Kingdom.

When it comes to the rawness and violence level, it doesn’t try to hold back anything and that fact alone is impressive.

Kinda like Black Hawk Down but not quite as excellent.

Now the rest of the movie deals with how soldiers are affected by what they do out there while risking their lives for a war they don’t necessarily believe in. The psychological trauma and the drastic toll it can take on those who we look up to and are supposed to be strong for the rest of the nation. The story wants to show that even soldiers can break down to the point of not being able to think straight.

The movie does a pretty good job of delivering that but the lines could’ve been more powerful. The dialogue could’ve been more memorable and on the spot but instead, they only go so far.

Like I said, MTV generation will think this movie might have a chance for any kind of award, when in fact, I think if you wanna watch a better Iraq war movie about how soldiers are affected by they do for a living, then watch In The Valley of Elah.

If you’ve seen the classic Robert DeNiro’s movie The Deer Hunter, then you’d find many similarities between STOP LOSS and that movie, especially the relationship between soldiers and their struggle to live a normal life after seeing tragedy and blood and the deaths of their friends.

The director for STOP-LOSS is the same director who made Boys Don’t Cry.

But this movie should be called poster boys who cry.

Ryan Philippe, Channing Tatum give okay performances, I’m more impressed with Australian actress Abbie Cornish who plays the girlfriend. Her Texas accent is pretty damn good. I think Joseph Gordon-Levitt (The Lookout) has potential to become the next great actor. He just needs to get away from movies like this and start focusing on choosing scripts and projects that will challenge his potential.

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