Review of The Patriot (2000) by Nick F — 19 Jan 2014

"I have long feared that my sins would return to visit me, and the cost is more than I can bear."-Benjamin Martin.

Pros-Pre-mental breakdown, non offensive Mel Gibson, An incredibly unlikable villain (Jason Isaacs), all the essentials of a good war movie, another glorious John Williams score.

Cons-Golden boy Heath Ledger, stupid Heath Ledger marital subplots, unnecessary mute child subplots.

Verdict-**** The Patriot is a good war movie. That's really what it comes down. Performances are pretty good, action pretty great, and there's enough cliched drama points to please a standard viewer. The thing to me that pushes this above just "good" is the what it means to me. It may be a bit corny, and it really has nothing to do with the content of the film but, hey it's my review. My dad and I generally don't agree on much, this includes movie choice. Since he's a big fan of mindless action films, and normally mindless war flicks, it made sense that he would take to this movie. I decided to indulge him and watch it, and it turns out I liked it as well. The best thing comes from how this movie brings us together. Father and son consistently butt-heads, and my case is no different than anyone else's. But, when one of us pulls up this movie, all is forgiven. This somewhat basic, uplifting piece of work, bonds my father and I and I really dig it for that.

*-Bad.

**-Okay.

***-Good.

****-Really good.

*****-Excellent.