Review of Stop-Loss (2008) by Benjamin H — 25 Apr 2009

While the film's dialogue and pacing was kinda poor at times, I really appreciated this movie. The situations are real, the characters aren't too romanticized. Phillipe plays to type in his portrayal of a capable, composed guy who watches everything unravel around him. Tatum is surprisingly effective. Cornish 's role was poorly fleshed out, I felt, and I don't really know how I feel about the plot devices surrounding her. It was refreshing that Peirce doesn't force romantic issues into the friendship, though.

Overall, I thought this movie was a refreshing look at soldiers in the current war as REAL people, conflicted people. I'm trying to think of another movie that features the disintegration of relationships after returning home from war so directly...Deer Hunter and Jarhead do a little, but nowhere to this extent.

Anyway, recommended movie. Reading people's thoughts online, it's pretty polarizing, but I think it's very much a worthwhile watch no matter where you stand on politics.