Review of Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk (2016) by Eleana P — 25 Nov 2016

Based on Simon Beaufoy's 2014 novel, the reviews for Ang Lee's new war drama have been decidely mixed, largely due to its advanced 3D/4D effects and unprecented projection rate of 120 frames per second. [For the sake of comparison, most movies are filmed at a mere 24 fps.] According to Lee (a two-time Oscar winner famed for pushing the use of technology in his films), these elements are intended to make the film feel more immersive and realistic, but most critics have deemed them distracting and ultimately unnecessary. Since only a handful of theatres in the world are currently equipped to present the movie in its intended form (!), most of us won't even get to experience Lee's innovations...and that might actually be for the better.

Stripped of its visual gimmickry and watched in simple 2D, we're left with a moving personal story about a decorated American soldier who briefly returns home from Iraq as part of a victory tour during Thanksgiving 2004. Newcomer Joe Alwyn delivers a solid, sympathetic performance in the titular role, beautifully conveying the flurry of emotions inspired by his character's homecoming. Clearly suffering from PTSD following a harrowing gunfight overseas (seen here in flashbacks), the overwhelmed Lynn is nonetheless trotted out across the country as the American military's latest poster child. Set primarily at the tour's final pitstop at a raucous Texas football game, the film offers some pointed observations about America's fascination with war and the public's collective lack of understanding about its brutal effects on those fighting on the frontlines. Strong supporting turns from the likes of Kristen Stewart, Garrett Hedlund, Steve Martin and Chris Tucker help bolster this heartfelt drama. Well worth a watch.