Review of Taking Chance (2009) by Dave J — 21 Apr 2015

Tuesday, February 26, 2013.

(2009) Taking Chance.

DRAMA.

While "2009 The Messengers" starring Woody Harrelson showcases how people from the US are notified after their sons/daughters are killed in action from war, "Taking Chance" from HBO is about how those victims of war once brought back to the US are presented before being buried, and I have to say that it's subtle and it's very felt since we the audience are the observers and are curious about US traditions regarding how they honor and bury their fallen. Based on the journals of Sgt Michael Strobl, played and narrated by Kevin Bacon may be my favorite film he's ever done, thus far. At the start, which is a bit slow, showcases how the fallen once returned to the US are preserved and presented before being ready for burial. As the narrator barely says anything, the only thing he does do is observes the experience as he volunteers to escort the body of 19 year old Marine Chance Phelps back to his hometown of Dubois, Wyoming. Some of the most moving scenes was when Sgt Strobl(Kevin Bacon) submits the remnants to the grieving family of the deceased and then respectfullly leaves them alone, and the scene when he crosses paths with another military escort who was escorting his brother. This is probably the most courteous way to escort a fallen soldier which has not always been the same for all soldiers but that is what it was like only according to him, and we the viewers want to sympathize and grieve with him too without any interruptions. I feel this film should've gotten a theatrical release since it's impact is nothing like it was ever shown before and should be watched by George Bush since he was President during the time this film was based on which was 2004.

This film gets 4 out of 4 stars.