Stop-Loss

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: March 28, 2008

DVD Release Date: July 8, 2008

Plot 411: After their final tour in Iraq, Brandon and Steve's long-time friendship is tested when one of them is ordered back to active duty.

Review: For some odd reason, this movie totally makes me think of Don Henley's Boys of Summer. I'm not exactly sure why because the themes are different. Maybe it has to do in part with the movie's theme of one's loss of innocence and the melancholy realization that it is gone forever? Brandon (Ryan Phillippe) and Steve (Channing Tatum) have completed their tours in Iraq during which time they've watched many men die. Brandon feels responsible for their deaths but looks forward to being discharged from the military. Unfortunately, because of a policy that allows the government to recall soldiers, Brandon must face his demons and return to war. He refuses to comply and becomes a deserter. Another soldier (played magnificently by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) under Brandon is guilt ridden and plagued with depression. The movie's political themes are evident, but I connected a lot more with the emotional and psychological nature of the film. The turmoil that these characters (and I assume real soldiers) face makes for an interesting, yet heart-wrenching, plot. The political implications are also intriguing and makes you reassess your viewpoints, especially when you see how politics, government, military and war affects real lives and real families.

Watch It: For a different kind of military drama that'll get you thinking and a great performance by Gordon-Levitt.

Skip It: If you're definitely pro-war/pro-military as the characters may just piss you off. You need to view this film with an open mind.

Annapolis

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: January 27, 2006

DVD Release Date: June 27, 2006

Plot 411: An underachiever is accepted into the Naval Academy and is confronted with obstacles that he faces head on.

Review: The movie focuses on Jake Huard (James Franco), a working class guy who lives with his father Bill (Brian Goodman). The two butt heads constantly and barely have anything in common despite working together building ships for the Navy. When Jake gets accepted into the Naval Academy, he goes across the river to study and isn't prepared for what that really means. The Academy is tough and strenuous, mentally and physically. He becomes friends with other plebes (first-year students), but everyone is very intent on succeeding themselves. Jake clashes with one of the instructors, Cole (Tyrese Gibson), who is an active-duty Marine. Cole takes all drills and tests seriously because he knows that one of these kids could save his life one day and preparation is key. This pushes Jake to the limit and he must learn respect and chain of command. Hazing and punishment is part of the rituals at the Academy but is also shown to be a necessity to toughen up students for real life. I thought it was interesting to see the inside of such a prestigious institution. Who knows if this is really what it's like though. Perhaps it's even worse in real life? The movie demonstrated the mental and physical acuteness one must possess to find success in the military. It might even be responsible for encouraging people to appreciate service men and women a bit more. Overall, I thought it was a good little movie with a decent plotline. It's nothing groundbreaking but was entertaining nonetheless. Others in the film include Donnie Wahlberg and Jordana Brewster.

Watch It: If you're into the tough love scene where "no pain, no gain" is the motto.

Skip It: If you're expecting Donnie Wahlberg to go big with this movie. He was more of a supporting actor.