Say Yes to Act of Valor
If you pay your money to watch Act of Valor in a theater, the movie you see won’t exactly be the one you’re expecting if you’ve been paying attention to all the media coverage and advertising. If you can take AOV on its own terms, though, you’re going to see the best action picture ever subsidized by the United States government.
AOV is the first movie to star active-duty military personnel, SEALs who appear with full Navy approval. Their participation creates both incredible advantages and complex challenges for the filmmakers. How well you think they dealt with each is going to determine what you think about this film.
Directors Mouse McCoy and Scott Waugh (a/k/a The Bandito Brothers) have a background in extreme sports movies and they put their mastery of action sequence mechanics to incredible use here. There’s no concern for the standard Hollywood conventions where you meet the characters, learn their back stories and start to care about them before things get weird: AOV launches straight into the action and doesn’t let up for its 140-minute running time.
The directors make the most of the SEALs’ input in those action scenes. They’ve taken the time to get a sense of how the missions go down and executed those sequences flawlessly with none of the CGI post-production that clogs up modern effects-driven pictures. The Costa Rican hot extract of a tortured CIA agent is the movie’s high point, a near-perfect combination of the directors’ skills and the Navy’s incredible war tech.
That war tech is the AOV’s secret weapon. That an independently-funded, low-budget movie manages to look like a blockbuster is a direct result of the directors’ access to Navy hardware. The scenes aboard a nuclear sub are literally priceless. You’ve never seen anything like them in another movie because no one’s ever been allowed that kind of access before.
Another product of that Navy access is the decision to cast non-actors in crucial lead roles. That decision pays off big time in the scenes based on actual maneuvers: the SEALs pull off the action sequences with an authority that few actors could begin to suggest. The long takes make the scenes feel like they’re happening in real time instead of snippets getting pieced together in the editing suite.
The directors say they had a hard time convincing the SEALs to act in the film after they got the necessary approvals from the brass and all the military personnel who appear in the film are credited by first name only. It’s hard to think that’s for security reasons (some of the SEALs attended the Hollywood premiere and their high school friends are probably already contacting US Magazine with childhood stories of their friends who are about to be movie stars): maybe it’s a way for everyone to feel like they didn’t violate any codes about not drawing attention to yourself at a time when your face is 60 ft high on a theater screen.
Anyway, that decision also comes at a price. The most positive thing you can say about Lt. Cmdr. Rorke and Special Chief Dave’s performances is that they act like they studied at the Elvis Presley School of Acting. Neither of them is totally comfortable with the plot points they’re asked to convey and they’re especially awkward in the scenes where it’s just the two of them on camera.
And yet, it’s most certainly these guys’ input that gives AOV one of its greatest strengths: the film shows a bunch of guys banding together and going out to do a job. There’s no elaborate backstories, no dark motivations, no attempt to suggest that men can’t act heroically without some deep secret that drives their commitment. AOV seems like it captures a group of guys at a random time doing their job and the implication is that they’ve performed equally badass acts of heroism before the movie started and they go back out and do it again the next day after the movie ends.
The screenplay (written by 300 author Kurt Johnstad) is merely serviceable. The bad guys don’t get much character development either and the movie’s not going to slow down enough that you spend too much thinking about logic and motivations. The terrorist plot, which could’ve been lifted from almost any random Steven Seagal movie, seems designed more to spur the action than offer any real insight into how the Navy counters our actual terror threats.
In spite of what I said about untrained actors, the movie’s best performance comes from the Senior Chief. His interrogation of the arms dealer Christo is the movie’s high point, in spite of the fact that Christo flips too quickly. We could’ve used a few more minutes of that scene and we unfortunately don’t get to see him again for the rest of the movie. If he’s considering retirement anytime soon, I’m sure he’s got a long career as a character actor ahead if he wants it.
So, in spite of all the talk about Act of Valor being the product of a Navy recruiting initiative and how much everyone involved wanted to respect the sacrifice of all our military personnel have made in the years since 9/11, what we’ve really got here is a B-movie with awesome action sequences subsidized and approved by the US Navy.
That’s all meant as a compliment. The guys over on our news pages can analyze and debate whether the Navy should be in the business of making these kinds of movies and how they should pick the next filmmakers who get the same kind of access they gave the Bandito Brothers. Or whether the Navy should ask for a piece of the profits after they’ve let someone film on a nuclear submarine.
Here’s the thing that none of your professional movie critics are going to notice: a movie more concerned with better acting and more attention to plot details probably wouldn’t have devoted as much energy to capturing the power and elegance in the way these guys operate. Even though the camerawork is beautiful and the editing is equally impressive, there’s a headlong energy to the whole proceeding that keeps it from being slick and soulless.
Ignore most of what you read. Trust this review. Pay attention when the Mad Duo weigh with an epic breakdown over at Breach Bang Clear where they call it “appallingly good.” Also ignore anyone who tries to talk about the political implications of AOV, especially the goofballs at the Huffington Post and Big Hollywood, neither of whom can understand military personnel serve a higher purpose than supporting their side’s politics of the week.
If you want moral complexity and subtle acting, there’s a few hundred movies we could recommend that you watch instead. If you can overlook the cheesier parts of the ceramic ball bearing terrorist plot, then Act of Valor offers a real sense of what life and combat are like for the SEALs who serve our country.
Maybe it’s Osama bin Laden mania (hey, we held off until the last paragraph but you knew it was coming) that gave this film its chance to be seen, but it looks like the US Navy is helping to launch a feature career for two guys have a real gift for filming action scenes that follow the laws of physics. That seems like a good return on investment to us. Go see Act of Valor and help make sure these guys get the money to go back and film another one soon.
![Der Gro?mufti von Jerusalem [Amin al Husseini] bei den bosnischen Freiwilligen der Waffen-SS. Der Gro?mufti ist auf dem Truppenubungsplatz ein[getroffen] und schreitet die Front der angetretenen Freiwilligen mit erhobenem Arm ab.](http://images-undertheradar.military.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/nazicollaborators300.jpg)
Under the Radar is commentary. We don’t report the news; we offer our take on what happened.
86 Comments
In the paragragh -
“So, in spite of all the talk about Act of Valor being the product of a Navy recruiting initiative and how much everyone involved wanted to respect the sacrifice of all our military personnel have made in the years since 9/11, what we’ve really got here is a B-movie with awesome action sequences subsidized and approved by the US Navy.”
I take exception to the statement “military personnel have made in the years since 9/11″.
Do the Soldiers, sailors and Marines that served and died before “9/11″ not deserve the same recognition?
This film is about this generation of SEALs who operationally “came of age” during the post 9/11 period. The Vietnam guys are awesome and we respect them completely, but this is a whole different era of guys who have made their own mark. They deserve to represent themselves.
I agree with you completely. I am a former Marine Force Recon Scout Sniper who served in Vietnam and most of the time it was me and my spotter north of the DMZ (13 months). I saw this movie and agree with it. I do not think it takes anything away from the honor of any SEAL TEAM and it shows the reality of what men of Valor do.
When the movie was over the audience clapped that should tell people how the public feels about showing what our military does for them. I am just happy the men and women coming home today are not getting what we got when we came home a **** ballon thrown on them.
Amen! Now is not even close to when we came home in the 60’s and 70’s.……You didn’t wear a uniform around events and mainly “not in public”. But, these troops are doing their thing now so at least they are being welcomed> We are all brothers no matter what or when we served. All I care is take care of your troops so we all stay FREE!!!!
USA
Channing… of course they deserve it, and more! However, this movie is about a specific timeline, and I don’t see that as anything there to take offense at. Every man or woman that gave their lives in the defense of our country, should be honored; they’re the true heroes, because they ‘gave it all!’
I feel that the Navy Seals deserve al they get for recognition in all the high risk they have to go through, all the training that feww make it through.
I agree that all that have died in the battlefield deserve recognition before 9/11.
But being the Seals and their special training and combat I believe they deserve a high five !
My husband is a retired Submariner who worked hand in hand with them and holds high regard for them.
So why not praise them and I hope they get an award they so deserve for making this at the Goldern Globes.
You go Navy Seals. !!!!!
Since the 1950’s part of what all SOF men had was the “unknown.” Yes, there has been movies about SEAL’s, Green Berets etc before but most people knew them for what they were, pure Hollywood trash.
Once you come into the light (out of that proverbial closet), you can’t go back in, and now all SEAL’s including the famed Team 6, will have a little less cache from the men who know the difference.
Yeah well, we don’t do it for the “cachet” as it turns out so I think the Teams will get by alright. Thanks for your concern though.
By using SEAL’s and their war fighting skills in this mass media movie, you are in fact using, building and displaying cachet.
One Seal action never reported was HUE S.Viet Nam during Tet. The Team went into the Harbor and climbed a floating but sinking Crane. They installed a Radar repeater and synced it up with the Cruiser’s Firecontrol Radar. That allowed the Gunnars to know our position at all times. The Marines at the Citadel knew where they were and through Radio contact we knew where the hoardes of NVA was. The Badguys were throwing Satchel Charges when the 6′ guns opened up. We could hear the Marines cheering and rallying us on to keep firing and an occassional “Drop 50″ up until we hit the Bell and destroyed the bell tower. What now Gunny we’re getting close? “So are the NVA, drop 50, still laughing and cheering. Seals working through extreme enemy turf allowed our ship to place first RDS within 50 feet of where the spotter (in harms way) wanted them to go. God bless our Seals and the U.S.Marines and don’t believe a word about us losing Hue during Tet.….….
OMG FRoggy I think I love you !!! ;) for all the Teams and our Military Past.Present and Future I hope you recieve all the respect and Honor you deserve .….
Truly well said. You nailed it.
Thanks for the review. I agree that Senior Chief Otto has a future in acting if he wanted it. If you knew him the way I do, you’d be laughing through that whole scene. He is such a witty and hilarious guy in reality, and he put his own special mark on that scene.
senior chief was GREAT and I have no doubts he would make a great actor from the movie but that would not be as exciting as SEAL deployments.
I like the movie and as a former Marine Scout Sniper who served 13 months behind the lines in Vietnam I salute all SEAL TEAM MEMBERS. Recently I was told one of my good friends and brothers was killed (non-hostile action) in Pennsylvania he was with SEAL TEAM 4 in the early days. Whoora.…to the movie and to all the SEALS that help make it possible to see this movie. FYI: the audience clapped at the end of the movie a way of saying thank yoiu.
i couldnt believe how many people were making fun of this movie on my company.
for a long time it seems that the seals jump at any opportunity to publicize themselves. why cant they be as mature as their counterparts?
As far as I can remember, when serving with SEALs, they were as professional and humble as the rest of us. Even though they were blue and I green, we all got along with the utmost respect for one another.
Never have I served with a SEAL/Marine or any ‘counterpart’ that tried to stand out more than anyone else. Your comment is unfounded and out of place.
The Media and current Administration has brought the light upon them, not the Teams themselves.
I might disagree…I found SEALs to LOVE talking about two things.…being SEALs, and having cool gear.
The very fact that they (SEAL’s) have directly helped make this movie for the mass media supports Ivan’s point.
IVAN: Are you Russian? Soviet? did you grow up in Easter Europe or just some loud mouth off the wall punk that has never served in the military and could find his *** with both hands?
Look Jack wagon if you don’t know what your talking about keep your mouth shut its that simple puke. As for me I have been around SEAL and find them honorable with high integrity and for sure HUMBLE because they know they can kick the crap out of a puke like you. Its ivory tower pukes like you that let men like these provide a safe place for you to crawl up into at night and know your safe from harms way. If you want to make a difference then gut up off your ivory tower ***, grab a rifle and stand a post otherwise shut the FXXX up.
kujuboman, your jumping to conclusions. no im not russian. im an american. as far as military service, yes im in the army. been for 9 years, infantry. been to iraq all that stuff so shut up. now for everyone. yeah i know seals have a capability that is needed. im sure most of the time they are just great guys but over and over i see them jumping at the opportunity to show off at a much higher rate than anyone else. kind of like a kid out of basic training. remember that seal that shot himself while showing off to a girl?
if i offended someone then oops. oh well. what i said is based on observation of their own words and actions. not the media, i know better than that. remember all the we’re better crap they implied in interviews after bin laden was killed? there you go.
I concure!
As a retired Marine with more then 25 years service Ivan you couldnt be more wrong about SEALS. I was stationed at NAB Coranado where all SEALs begin their training. Ive never know a SEAL that jumped at the chance to show off. Like SF you never hear about them until after the mission is over. To most Americans all they know about is the Army. Go out in town in any military uniform and people will start asking what you do in the Army. To me there is nothing wrong about braging about your brach of service so long as you can back up what you say with facts.
Maybe he ran into some guys that said they were SEALs, and he believed them…
except im not wrong chuck. dont compare them to sf as far as hearing about seals because seals are more likely to be loudmouths and many in the special warfare community know it, some dont know it. the military town comparison you gave is weak. ive been living in those places for years. just because someone asks you about your service it does not make you a showoff.
but i’ll tell you guys what. im very happy that the seal sniper chris punched jesse ventura. long overdue.
First of all, it SEAL, these men are Special Operations warriors, not marine animals. Second, that “jumping at the opportunity to show off” you refer to is their being assigned complex and dangerous missions because of their unique skill set. And the reason they are so heavily deployed is due to the nature of the war being fought today. I’m quite sure they’d rather be home with their families a little more. If I as a civilian grasp this concept, surely you can, no?
As for the movie, I saw it this weekend and it was EXACTLY what I expected it to be. An honest (for once) portrayal of the dedication, service , skill and sacrifice of the best our country has to offer in its defense.
Gentlemen, I salute you and your families for what you do for the rest of us. Know that you have our gratitude and respect.
um gina, i am aware they are spec ops not marine animals. second, what you said in reaction to jumping opportunity to show off did not really make sense. look at the other spec ops guys. they like their world as their world. they way they see it no need to act like a wannabe celebrity. yes i understand the world of spec ops is heavily deployed right now…all of them. of course i grasp that concept but nothing i said earlier suggested otherwise. not sure where that came from.
I will go to the movie with an open mind and see it for what it is, then report back.
Each and every movie/documentary that has been produced by
Directors Mouse McCoy and Scott Waugh (a/k/a The Bandito Brothers) has been a top notch piece of entertainment that I do not regret spending my hard earned money to see.
Jezz, leave well enough alone will ya.
Seals, SF, Rangers, Rangers…whom ever all have their stories. Let this movie do what it will do and just get over your…self.
Yea I would like a movie made of my experiences in a place far away and long ago but we are all now past making movies. A sixty some odd bunch of guys just couldn’t hack it anymore. **** I barely hacked it at 20 back then.
BTW, we were not half as effictive as those that serve now a days. We recieved ****** training and it was all learned “on the job” and any mistakes we made were “paid for” right then and there and NO retakes.
Lets all just go to the movies and cheer them on as they and their other services mentioned above will be still fighting when my grand daughters are telling them goodby at the front door or as they mount the steps into their departing airframes.
God Bless America and her defenders.
Papa Ray
West Texas
Well said, Sir.
Second “Rangers” was supposed to have been Marine Recon. That is what you get when you have more than two shots with your V8 in the mornings.
WETSU
Papa Ray
I figured as much…and am well past two shots this evening. Crane.
I rarely go to the movies because they normally, well, suck. I loved this movie for what it is. A kick *** ride that makes you proud to be on the right side of the Red, White and blue. A movie about American Warriors and the code they live by. Outstanding job by all involved! Can’t wait to buy it on Blu-Ray. It will join my collection of movies that deserve to be watched many times.
AMEN Sgt D. Whoora
Semper Fi
Great film, go see it if.…
1) You respect and admire the people who choose to serve this country.
2) Enjoy action flicks.
3) Sick of the way Hollywood portrays the military, and this country.
4) Like stories of heroism, and bravery.
5) Want to check out a film not produced by Hollywood.
Don’t see this film if…
1) You hate the military, and this country.
2) You’re an ignorant brainwashed ******, who hates the military and country because so.
3) A limp wrist ********* liberal.
4) If your idea of heroism and bravery, entails disrespecting those who serve this country, or hating the country… Basically if you’re a coward.
5) If you don’t like action films.
AMEN!!! The movie brought tears to my eyes. Can’t appreciate it unless you’ve been there. I salute the guys who made the movie and those who went before them. You are what remains right with this country.
Kain,
Right on the mark. I had 15 years as a Marine, including a stint in 2nd Force Recon. The movie brought back a few memories.
This movie has been bashed by every dope-smoking, tree-hugging, latte-sipping, Birkinstock-wearing, whale-kissing, no-blood-for-oil-chanting, where’s-my-free-stuff-demaiding liberal puke, and that is precisely WHY I saw the movie. Twice. So far.
Semper Fi.
This is a great movie. I want to see it again and recommend it. Those who do not like violence should stay home or see something else. Thank God this country and your Navy has Seals to protect you and your home. Seals should receive combat pay.
Being in the Marines amd US Gov’t over 20+ years I couldn’t wait to see this movie. Being in Force RECON and spending time as a 0211 I have seen and participated in such operations. I can say that this movie is as good or better than reviews. Especially if you are knowledgable about these operations. One thing that gets me fired up is when war movies are far fetched. Unrealistic! This movie has all realities and consenquences that may arise. In the Military Honors funeral scene it still chokes me everytime. Knowing the brotherhood we share.
Everyone should have some sense of sacrifice that EVERY military person gives especially the Ultimate Sacrifice…
God Bless… Semper Fi
Every Pennie spent for this movie is worth it…
I roger your last transmission
I just want to say a big THANK YOU!
WARNING– Movie may have side effects. When we left the theater my wife imediately thanked Jesus Himself that she married an American Warrior and was able to give birth to the next generation of American fighting man. My son has vowed to PT harder, study harder and now puts gasoline and razor wire in his breakfast cereal so he may one day also be able to **** fire and razor blades at will like the guys in this movie! All kidding aside, outstanding job by all involved. Go see this movie. God bless America and it’s war fighters!
I have been in USASOC for a long time and worked with SF guys a lot and SEALS once. In all cases they were truly down to earth, relaxed, and intelligent dudes. Sure they were cocky…you’d have to be to do what they do. I could never be one though because I would always be bragging about what a bad *** I was;).
I am not to comfortable with letting the bad guys see what is really out there…or what we have. The movie may be kick a**, but exposing what we have in the SOG’s is only going to give th bad guys more info to work with…
The film exposed nothing that isnt already available in the public domain. It also left out the operational detail that would benefit any of our enemies. Yes its a bada.ss motion picture, but to anyone who knows, it reveals nothing importnat that could potentially cost lives.
This movie is nothing but a popcorn chewing spectacle. A little stiff acting great shootemups and a plot that that makes enough sense that you dont walk out. Just what I want in a action flick.
Then we watch the funeral ceremony, the flag pop tight and the names of the actual dead scroll through and this movie becomes something alltogether different.
This is a masterpiece as a cinematic memorial.
To all my brothers who have paid, we will never forget you, no matter where you rest, may you forever “Ride Hard and Shoot Straight” God Bless
My husband and I are both Navy veterans. This movie made us proud! I think every American needs to see this movie to appreciate their freedoms they have and what is sacrificed for it. When I left the theater, I heard some of the movie-goers make comments like, “I’m really glad they’re on our side!” Another angle to the movie that I was glad to see; Our threat level at the Mexican border with the tunnels. Our borders are wide open!
I can definately say that this is one of the best action movies I have seen in a while. No CG bullets curving aroud pillars etc. True to life. I can also say that there was not a dry eye in the theater at the end. My wife will not go see this movie for several reasons. She doesn’t like war movies, but mostly because she doesn’t want to be reminded about the actuality and or reality of me being in the military, and what could happen.
I will say that I sincerely liked the fact that there was acknowledgement and dedication to the fallen SEALs at the end of the movie. I could definately tell who resepcted the movie by their actions at the end. Those that stayed in their seats understood, while those that instantly bolted for the exit, I have my reservations about.
Semper Fi, Gentlemen.
Sgt Jmac,
I concur. I took my wife to see it, in part because I wanted her to hav a sense of some of the things I and many others have done… and I wasn’t expecting that message to come out of hollywierd or the drive-buy media anytime soon.
Semper Fi Brother, and to all serving, to all who have served — many sincere thanks.
Semper Fi.
This crew did an outstanding job and in my opinion succeeded in what they sought out to do…Honor our warfighters of today. Before we draw lines in the sand, let us all look at this as a portal that will lead the way to future cinematic productions that will glorify all facets of the military and the warfighters that have brought the fight to that which threatens all we hold dear.
If I may add… allot of the gear I saw can readily be found at a local DERMO facility so it did not appear to me that there was anything that infringed on OPSEC in terms of the latest and greatest gear-tech.…all but the new Sylinx kit that I saw donned a few times.
SALUS
Honor, courage, commitment in it’s finest.
It seems that MR. Ivan had a bad esperiance with my brothers in arms. If they were true Seals they would be talking about the nice equipement and such but will never talk about their missions. The Army has had movies based on thier missions for years and no one said anything bad about those. So what if they get real Seals to re-inact the missions it lets the cilvians see what it is really like.
Great comment. I think we should just all stay positive and enjoy the work and results. Great Movie! Made me proud to be a Sailor and in the military.
Those guys were probably more nervous during the filming than when on most missions they have been on. Those are real guys that do a real job. Most civilians, if any will ever understand what that job is and what it entails! I have been discharged physically since 1981, My mind did not get that memo!!! Drives my wife Crazy sometimes LOL
I was expecting to see their under water demolition specialty, as that is what really separates them from the rest of the SPEC OPS. Still an outstanding movie and an outstanding performance, just like I have known them to be the best of the best.
It’s a shame we don’t require as much training, skill and teamwork from the people who send these capable warriors out in harm’s way. We might just use them better and and need to less often.
Sleep well, brothers
old time swab.
I’m US Navy retired and haven’t seen this movie yet, but be sure I will. I thank God every day that we have those warriors who can and do the impossible to protect our way of life. God Bless those SEALS, RANGERS and all those Marine Recons and Green Barets and GOD BLESS AMERICA.
I have not seen the movie yet but plan to do so! I was in the army and retired from the army. I was in Panama and then the year after that the 1st Gulf war (Desert Storm). I have worked with both Seals and SOF in both conflicts (truley professionals). I have had soldiers under me and senior members of my units move into those SOF ranks. I have not known one to bragg about what they did but, just committ to being a better warrior.
SSG Dech US Army Retiered 82nd ABN.
This is sad. Hay you warrior can you stop traning for real life war and do some acting.we have service members on wick and food stamps. And we are down sizeing like there is no tomarrow but that is ok.…
No its not. My son served in IRAQ, 2 tours and hes being kicked from the Army for medical reasons he recieved in Iraq. Thats the Army and our Goverment. No respect for the kids that walked the line.
For Ivan, you must have been talking to some posers, I have met real Seals, and they never talk about their mission ever, and they damn sure don’t brag about cuz they don’t talk about, nuf said on that. As for the movies about kinds of SOG movies. Hollywood has always glamorized them, it is refreshing to see someone be allowed access to some of the places the directors in this movie were allowed to be. Should we see more of these kinds of movies, without a doubt, it would pay homage to the men/women who just like in the civilian sector(Police/Fire/EMS/DEA etc) do. But I will always be partial to the Navy because I was in the Navy and also operated w/Marine Force Recons to help deploy them when I was in the Amphib Navy
I went to see the movie. I found it interesting. I liked it because of the content and how it was put together. It might not have been made by Hollywoods best with big named actors but I would have rather seen this than most and I will certainly add this to my collection of war movies. Something else. While I was watching this movie I did break into tears at the end. Before I got out of my seat. A lady stopped and turned to look at me and saw my tears and said thanks for everything. I thanked her and she left. I retired from the Navy and I’ve always respected the other branches in what they do because it may not be easy doing what they do. She was black and I am latin but I would do anything to help her or anyone else. I guess it was my upbrining, religion, or the military that helped me be who I am. I’m proud to have served and I always thank those who have done so. To all who see this whether they like the military or not. Take care.
I will never understand why so many people write apologetically about this film. I went to see it with a retired SEAL, and he could not contain himself. He acted as though what we were watching was really occurring. It was a great break to see muzzle suppressors working. The huge multi-pronged forks of flame out of the barrels of most movies constantly remind me that all rounds are blanks. The film seemed to end far too quickly for me. I could not believe that over 2 hours had passed. The more you learn about SEALs, from Military.com or its TV channel, the more you will understand about the technology that is being represented. I gave this one 5 stars for realism.
I have seen it my self and love it I wish I still had my chance to become a seal.
There was a seal on there that did muay thai fighting dose he still do it on his time off.
Oh Ivan, you are an ****! I was once engaged to a SEAL years ago, I lost two SEAL friends on August 6, 2011 in the Chinook explosion in Afghanistan, and I am currently engaged to and living with a SEAL…trust me, these men are the best of the best.; they do not need to brag, they JUST ARE! They do not brag, boast, or do anything riduculous that Ivan implies. As someone that lives with a SEAL, as someone that has other women friends married to SEALs, even WE sometimes do not know where they are, where they are going, when they will be home, what happened when they were gone, etc. WE are not even privy to such information and we are engaged/married to them! You claim they publicize stuff, when we do not even know this? OK, sure, I believe that! LOL. You have no idea what you are talking about little boy. You certainly so not live among SEALs or among that community for you would not be ranting and raving. First, please buy yourself a dictionary or use spell check and learn proper grammar and usage before writing on a public forum. Second, do not talk negatively about something you know absolutely NOTHING about! These men, all special ops men, sacrifice day in and day out more so than the general military population…show some respect. Show respect to all military personnel! And simply put, because you do not show this respect, I highly believe you are not who you claim to be (Army infantry)! You only wish you were among the armed forces.
The American military is a service, a service to our great nation. It is not a show. The lowest private, seaman, airman are just as important as the special ops guys. You DON’T glorify war and you DON’T glorify the practitionars of war (the leaders and combatants). This is only my opinion but it is shared by many. I believe the U.S. NAVY made a huge mistake by endorsing this movie and showcasing the special ops community like it was a proud entity. This is simple, stupid and is going to come back and bite us in the ****. Our enemies are seeing this and they want very much to shove it in our face.
Well put Renee.
AOV was good, but so was DELTA TEAM 4 when they recovered me and my mates in Panama (San Francisco District) and they also took out Tony Noreiga’s house with over US$100M plus a lot of intell pertaing to his 28 homes with Graves of the people he had Murdered. I found the Books in his Car Port Bar that had been over looked. Quite a story thast was not told to this day. They went in, did their job and got the **** out after doing 12 hours work and helping me recover my 2 mates. They performed in an outstanding fashion and one of them it turned out belonged to my Elks Lodge 2309 Bowie, MD
This is not the first movie to use active duty members. A film was made during the Korean War that used a platoon in combat. Every bullet and explosion was real Gov’t issue. I believe the movie was called “Cease Fire”. One of the characters, a PFC Ricardo Carrasco, was ordered to do the part. He begged the director to “Kill him off” so he could return to his squad. Finally the director agrees and “kill his character off”. That night after he returned to his squad he was really killed in action.
In no way am I putting down the dedicated operators of the SEAL Teams. As a combat vet (USMC), I always admired the humbleness and extreme low key that ALL the operators of the special ops community carried out their missions. But ever since the Bin Laden raid, both the Dept. of Defense and the media have crammed the exploits of the SEALS down the public’s throat. You hear nothing of what Army SPECOPS UNITS, Marine Corps MARSOC, Air Force SPECOPS are doing. And that’s the way it should be kept. This damn film is nothing but a recruitment initiative.
It is a recruiting film that’s what it was designed to be. It was designed to be exciting to get young men and women excited to join up and to get more people through BUD/S. After people apply to go through “SEAL School” and by the time they are actively deployed as qualified operators there is an 80 — 85% attrition rate. This is for a good reason it takes very special people to do that job and only the best make it in. The problem is using spec op members for all kinds of different things has gotten very popular in D.C. . From training roles for foreign militaries to using them as recon units to actual combat missions the U.S. Goverment is wanting more and more out of these units. The missions I mentioned are ones they are designed and trained to do and they do it well with out a dought. It just seems like using special forces has become a cool thing for politicians. With the type of opponents the mIlitary has been having to fight small elite teams are the best thing we have. But we’re also using them in situations where they don’t need to be there other military units could be doing some of those things and let the special forces get back to doing special things. I know a couple of Navy Seal’s and a Marine Force Recon sniper I can get them to talk about weapons and get them to show me some training stuff but that’s about it. The Navy guys won’t even say which team there with I asked once and they just told me not to ask again and I can understand there need for security. The Marine I know he’s a .50 Cal sniper I’m sure that’s not all he shoots but I’ve watched him shoot his own .50 and it’s scary how far away he can be and hit a target. All of them though would like it if they got no publicity they like the security that comes when know one knows you. It’s hard to get new members like that though so they have to have some publicity. The feeling I get from all those guys was if no one knew about them there unit or what they did they would be grateful for it. They don’t do that job for bragging rights or a big paycheck there pay actually sucks for the stuff they do. They do the job because it needs done. The liaison between the film makers and the Seal’s said he hopes to stay away from cameras for a long time. The special warfare community has been pushed into the light by the genral
Public wanting to know about them and by the Goverment wanting to show off and by there parent forces for more money for PR for political reasons. The community itself doesn’t do much stuff like that they don’t put themselves out there unless ordered like they were for this movie. I don’t know why the Seal’s have become the most public face for the special warfare community but all of the special warfare community has my utmost respect the Seal’s, Force Recon, Rangers, and other units some who exsist some that don’t. Anyone whose served in the military gets my respect it takes a whole team to do a job a pilot is very special until his aircraft breaks then it takes mechanics to get that pilot back in the air. No I’ve never served I wanted to I was on track to go to Quantico to become an officer. I got medically disqualified by a auto-immune condition when I was 19 I was in college at the time. I wanted to be part of Force Recon I don’t know if I could have made it but I would have liked to try. To all military personel out that come back home safe.
Out standing movie, as a US NAVY DAV that was on PBR’s in Viet Nam and worked with Navy Seals, this is awesome.
A JOB WELL DONE! Thank You Guys!
These guys did a spot on job. Nice to know we have them and the people that support such operations in our Military.
Movie over all was A+
I was in the Mobile Riverine Force on riverboats in Vietnam 1968, worked with Seals on occasion in the Delta. They were and are the best of the best they were known as the Green Faces by the Vietnamese due to the camouflage grease paint on their faces.
SEALs are top notch, no doubt and doing some great things for our country. I partially agree with the Ivan’s and some others however. The over-comercialization of the SEALs right now is at a tipping point. Seems like every SEAL has to write a book, the movies, the infomercials for exercise crap, etc.…And much of it perpetuated by SEALs themselves. I was at Barns and Noble’s the other night and there must have been 30 books written by former SEALs. Now they’re in the movies? It just kind of underminds the unit in my humble opinion. You don’t see this degree of self promotion from Delta, SAS or other high-end spec-ops. For one of America’s most secret units, they sure are getting over exposed.…Hopefully most of the revenue from all these exploits are going back to the families and other foundations supporting the Naval SpecWar community.
Hollywood hates the military, Hollywood made this movie. Anything Hollywood makes has a message of ********.
This movie is just more Hollywood ******** .
SEALS, are you Hollywood or are you SEALS?
Holly wood will use SEALS to push their propaganda for liberal and socialist agenda.
Then once achieved the SEALS will go under the Obama bus.
You don’t know S***, Yeah it’s hollywood, but it is something that is hidden from the general public, who cares that it is a movie? If it didn’t have entertainment value, no one would watch. You wouldn’t last 30 secs with a SEAL, if you have the stones, say that crap to a true seal, and I’ll come to visit you in the hospital. You know what to do with your liberal/socialist agenda crap.
I saw the film…I wept at the ending…and I am in awe of the Seal Teams, their sacrifices for this country and their Valor.
By the way, the audience exploded with applause and cheers when the movie was finished. I hope all military personnel are aware of the love and respect that we have for them. Come home safe!
Was one of the original 1900 that were ligitamatized buy JFK.
We trained what was then, airborne marine underwater demolition team reconasence patrol specalist, in the fine art of jumping out of perfectly good airplanes. We were good, they were just as good.
they tought us how to exit a sub under water, we learned well. We both trained under airforce special operations people how to live long enough to hit the ground alive from a long way away. the eod boys taught us all how make it go away. Some dude in a plane ‚God nows where, protected our flank and kept us whole and on the time line. We all wore head gear, Mine was green, but then so was I. We all share one thing in common, we have learned to trust each other.
Thank God we have Navy Seals. I can’t express myself any more accurate than that. We are the worlds cop on patrol and will always be. The only drawback that exists are the people that feel that we have no bussiness protecting the defenseless in their fight for the freedoms that we enjoy.
I was completely blown away by it’s accurate portrayal of military tactics, and knowing they were real military personnel left me mesmerized with ideas of how such movies could close the gap, on how our society may contribute to the financial prosperity of real heroes. In comparison to sport stars who are so much more wealthy for doing so much less. When it comes to our moral standards as a citizen, I know we can do better, and this encourages such an outlook of our Nation’s future.
Great movie, I know a lot of old time seals and with today’s new technology, if they were equiped with half of the stuff shown in this movie, we would have won the Viet Nam war. Proud to have served during that conflict, Bless all of those that have stepped to the plate for this great country. Say a special prayer for all of those who served in WWII and Korea, they were the ones who stopped the menace to our liberties. To the actors in this movie, I am proud to call you my brother in arms, may the Lord keep you and yours, as well as your brothers, safe from evil and harm. Thanks for showing everyone the dangers and sacrifice that is offered in defense of this country. God Bless You All.
MM2 K.J. Smith
azw06tl4
k2cgl14z
shgreyryh
uifppbmx
gfl5ldz6
I’ll right away grasp your rss feed as I can’t to find your e-mail subscription link or newsletter service. Do you’ve any?