Review of Jarhead (2005) by Samuel G — 09 Sep 2010

Jarhead is a film that re-establishes what so many war films have said before. War is harsh, and what you do in it likely won't change a thing. There will be no champagne, because lets face it, as sad as it may be, the world does not stop for the death of a soldier, or the sacrifices they have made. Especially not in this day and age. Re-wrapping the old hard times seen in such movies as Full Metal Jacket, and calling it good. It's a good enough film, but it lacks originality, and thus, is nothing special. However, I will give it credit for being the first war movie to feature more masturbation than action, but such an achievement is frowned upon in my book.

First off, if your looking for action, than this is the farthest away a war film can get from it. Infact, I don't remember seeing an actual action scene in the entire movie. Yes, there were explosions in the background, but no visible enemy.

Second, comparing this to any of the greats like Apocalypse Now or the most recent war film masterpiece, Saving Private Ryan, would be blasphemy. In no means is this a fantastic film, it may have some great performances (most notably Peter Sarsgaard, and Lucas Black. And of course the all ways brilliant Chris Cooper.) but all around it is simply a good movie.