The title of this movie, beyond being gimmicky (he was _bringing_ Chance home, not taking him anywhere) is a misnomer: this movie takes no risks whatsoever. Quite the opposite, in fact.
One thing this movie _does_ deliver is solid acting. Kevin brings home the Bacon with a solid, yet understated performance of a man at odds with the choices he's made (i.e. he wishes he was overseas killing people rather than enjoying life with his family). While his character can't be said to really "develop" beyond a facial tic or two, the experience was apparently revelatory enough for him to write the book. The pacing, while molasses slow, also manages to maintain the viewer's interest.
However, the weepy, manipulative music, total lack of plot, and (let's face it) flat-out propaganda for religion and the military all but kill any redeeming qualities the movie might have originally possessed. Further, the fetishistic focus on pomp & circumstance (endless scenes of Bacon saluting the coffin on a conveyor belt, minions polishing badges, flag placement, etc.) clearly mark the movie for what it is: a recruitment film.
Shouldn't the film question - at least once - _why_ this person (as well as others) died - were their deaths worth the results? Should respect for the dead automatically equal respect for their actions? Ah, but these are questions left for other films. This one takes time, money, and lives, but no chances.
One thing this movie _does_ deliver is solid acting. Kevin brings home the Bacon with a solid, yet understated performance of a man at odds with the choices he's made (i.e. he wishes he was overseas killing people rather than enjoying life with his family). While his character can't be said to really "develop" beyond a facial tic or two, the experience was apparently revelatory enough for him to write the book. The pacing, while molasses slow, also manages to maintain the viewer's interest.
However, the weepy, manipulative music, total lack of plot, and (let's face it) flat-out propaganda for religion and the military all but kill any redeeming qualities the movie might have originally possessed. Further, the fetishistic focus on pomp & circumstance (endless scenes of Bacon saluting the coffin on a conveyor belt, minions polishing badges, flag placement, etc.) clearly mark the movie for what it is: a recruitment film.
Shouldn't the film question - at least once - _why_ this person (as well as others) died - were their deaths worth the results? Should respect for the dead automatically equal respect for their actions? Ah, but these are questions left for other films. This one takes time, money, and lives, but no chances.