Review of Only the Brave (2017) by Walt G — 12 Feb 2018

Didn't get to see this in the theater (though I wanted too) I just watched on Redbox. It was as good as I had expected and hoped. The performances were solid all the way through. Brolin held the screen in every scene. Teller in the early scenes truly captured the useless doper persona, it was like I was watching some of the dumbasses I have had as neighbors and unfortunately, family members. I did not detect a false note among the team interactions. Despite some reviewers complaints, I can tell you as a 20 year military vet, the bravado (whether false or feigned), wiseass attitude and give and take you see on this team exists in these kind of environments. What some call clichés (cowboy hats; beer drinkin' ; BBQ and all the rest) is very real in parts of the country (just maybe not NYC). The laid back pacing and lingering camera shots of the vistas just added to developing the characters, the terrain, and the challenge they faced (with out having everything explained). One shot in particular is when Brolin shows up on Bridge's porch, there are views in the background of lightening strikes, very likely the cause of the fire the next day that caused the tragedy. Other movies might have lingered on what the men endured in that final stand, but that would have been sensationalism for effect (you want that kind of rush, this ain't your movie) and harrowing for the family members to view. All in all this was a character study of the team, not just a "fire movie".

On another note: it was great to see Jeff Bridges providing solid support, and Jennifer Connelly was incredibly strong and believable. It was also uncanny to see the resemblances of the real individuals during the credits compared to the actors, Solid casting, solid acting, beautiful cinematography and a moving true story that reminds you of the commitment of some individuals that most people take for granted.