Review of Men of Honor (2000) by Paul I — 06 Mar 2008

This is your typical inspirational, perseverance laden story of a great person overcoming obstacles. There's more to it than that, particularly because Cuba Gooding Jr. gives a fantastic performance (and one that proves he isn't just Rod Tidwell) but I will say that the movie suffers from almost becoming too scripted into the genre, much like so many sports movies fall into the rut of underdog story.

Here, you see overly beuracratic bad guys, a loving but "you'll never make it!" spewing wife, and a plethora--yes, a PLETHORA--of moments that are so obviously included simply to add to the "look how bad things are!" motif, that they get trying.

I understand DeNiro's real life counterpart may have been an alcoholic...but leave the focus on Cuba! The story of Carl Brashear is powerful enough to stand on its own and carry this movie; it didn't need the embellishment and typecasting it was ground through.

Very good, inspirational film, though.