Review of Last Flag Flying (2017) by Daniel S — 09 Dec 2018

You know from very early on that this is going to be an actor's film. The direction will be unobtrusive, the music merely supportive, and the script will largely just work hard to put the characters in situation where they can just talk and interact and exist.

And with these types of films, the casting has to be spot on. And in this film the casting is spot on. You want a slightly holier than thou preacher with a vein of sass? You get Lawrence Fishburne. You want a sleazy, confident, bitter but hiding it, slightly alcoholic charmer? You get Bryan Cranston.

You want a sincere, quiet man in mourning? I had no idea until watching this, but it turns out you get Steve Carell. Each man holds court so well, and the performances are pitched so nicely so as to tell you a lot about their dynamic without telling you a lot.

It's heartfelt, it's honest, and it's an American film about the military that doesn't deify military combat, which is always a refreshing change of pace. There's no bang, no whizz, no pizzazz.

What there is are three great performances telling a story about the power of friendship and family with, importantly, as much laughter as sadness. Also, isn't it funny how many films are now set before mobile phones became prevalent because of the narrative problems that can be solved by being able to phone anyone or find out any information instantly?