Review of Garrison (2008) by Jim M — 17 Jun 2011

Having returned from the war in Afghanistan members of an American Infantry Battalion set about the daily routine of training and inspections as they absorb new recruits. But one of their Sgts, Nathan Cross, is having problems. Suffering from Post Traumatic Stress and after slapping his wife facing divorce, Cross is a man on the edge. Cross has gone AWOL and its up to his friends and fellow soldiers Sgt. McManus and Sgt. Cane to find him...before its too late and he commits an act of violence that will scar them all forever.

Writte, Directed, Staring and Produced by Kerry Valderrama, a vetran of Afghanistan. Garrison is a look at the day-to-day of an American Infantry unit as well as a look at PTSD and the effects secrets and lies can have on the average man. Low budget but Valderrama squeezes every penny out of a minscule budget. Great score, deceint cinematogrphay and some good acting from unknowns such as James Barnes (Cross), Valderrama (McManus), Elizabeth Ingalls (McManus' wife, also hot, also one of the films writers/producer), Jason Cox ("Machine" a squad leader) and Elijah Curtis (Staff Sgt. Lambose). The story is well paced, making it feel like something that could actually happen. I'm gonna go ahead and give it a recommendation, it'll be worth a viewing.