The Pledge (2011) User Reviews

Much hype, little delivered

[chicory111 · 1/10 · 11 November 2011]

By all accounts, this movie is a dad's effort to please his little blonde star-struck daughter's irrational dreams of being a Hollywood star by producing a movie in which she might star - and it looks it. It's the movie version of the vanity press. Sappy story, untalented cast - it has it all. Perhaps in some universe somewhere, a child's first reaction to moving from NYC to a hick town in WV is to vandalize a WWI statue. Thank goodness for the wise judge who "punishes" the lad by sentencing him to visit veterans. Imagine his surprise that such a comely untalented lass as "Jill" is there to entertain the hapless old men. I laughed, I cried, I wished I'd stayed home.

Anyone who is proud to be an American will love this movie. Very moving.

[ronaldj7 · 25 August 2011]

Although this film has some of the feel of an independent film, it is one that you, no matter who you are, would not regret seeing it. If you've lost a bit of your sense of patriotism, you will be recharged. If you are already a strong patriot, you will get chills and shed a tear. Great combination of reality and theatrics. I have always felt that I am a very patriotic American, as demonstrated by my service to this country both in and out of uniform. I went to see this movie because I wanted to know how some filmmakers view their own sense pf patriotism, and how they would show that on film. I have seen most of the movies made about the war in Iraq, and having served in Iraq, I picked up on many mistakes and stereotypes. However, this family film does not stereotype. It brings an element from both sides, and in doing so demonstrates that no matter what your beliefs may be, whether you support the war efforts or not, and whether you support or reject the government, this film will remind everyone how similar we as Americans are, both in mind and in spirit. First film I have seen to bring that out. Thank you.

Very pleasant surprise

[alexrider19 · 10/10 · 2 December 2015]

I never write reviews. Movies never make me cry. But this one brought me to tears.

The acting was far from perfect, lightness was a bit on the shiny side (that might have been due to the copy i watched), it sometimes felt empty, like things were missing, as if budget didn't allow for much 'decor' but it also made the viewer more focused on the story and in a way the emptiness suited that story pretty well.

Even if you aren't liking the first half hour i strongly advise you to stick with watching because the movie gets stronger and better after that.

Whatever your personal opinion on the war might be, this film isn't the type to try to shove it's beliefs through your screen, it displays all and does not stereotype.

Don't watch unless you want a numbing patriotic message

[johnmkirby · 3/10 · 2 December 2015]

I am first embarrassed to say that I sort of saw this by mistake when I intended to watch another movie called The Pledge (Jack Nicholson). I got too far into this before I realized that I had made a mistake. But since my foot was half-way in this mess, I decided to commit myself to the end just in case some miracle happened at the third turn. Anyway, the miracle did not come. If you want patriotic pablum, then this is for you. It contains highly simplistic messages, weak dialog and weak delivery (which is done with poor acoustics). It is what it is. If you want to pop this in on the Fourth of July and grill up some dogs, then more power to you.

Very moving and rewarding film

[spasticlemon2002 · 10/10 · 9 November 2011]

This film is a must see for everyone. My mother and I went to see this movie as a last minute decision. We really didn't know a whole lot about it but just decided we would go ahead and take a chance. WE ARE SO GLAD WE DID. This is by far the best movie we have ever seen. It really shows the values that this country is based on and should be continuously built on. I cannot wait until it is available on DVD for purchase.

I also have to point out that we were given the opportunity that night to meet with some of the actors and the wonderful young actress in this movie. They are truly exceptional people. These weren't what we believed to be the typical "movie stars". They were real people, real American people with a heart.

Thank you Doughboy family for a wonderful and moving film.

Amazing

[sanclan · 10/10 · 12 September 2017]

This is a welcomed change. What a great movie. Yes, it is not the highest budgeted film, but a must see. This film is dedicated to the 30 Navy SEALS and American troops who lost their lives in Afghanistan on August 6, 2011... and all United States servicemen and servicewomen, past and present.

That says it all....

Must see!

[adolepfan · 10/10 · 18 November 2011]

I had not heard of this movie until I had the privilege of meeting one of its stars at the movie theater when I was there to watch a different movie. I did not consider myself patriotic but it sounded interesting. The following weekend I decided to give it a shot. I was not disappointed and have since seen it six more times. One minute you will laugh and the next minute you will cry. I definitely feel a greater sense of pride in our country and will never take those soldiers who sacrifice so much for granted again. The audience was clapping when the movie was over and I heard so much positive feedback. Kudos to everyone involved in making the film, especially the veterans for telling their stories. Thank you to the theaters for giving this little independent film a chance and showing it. I think some more release dates and locations will be coming early next year. It is family friendly and I encourage everyone to see it.

OUTSTANDING!!! 10 thumbs and stars!

[cboinis · 10/10 · 7 December 2012]

This movie is wonderful! It is a rare wholesome movie that the entire family can enjoy from all ages. There are so many special lessons to be learned about veterans, respect, honor, appreciation of untold modern day heroes, and empathy within this movie. So many of us can learn from the plot and premise of the sacrifice that others have made on our behalf as free Americans. It is wonderful to see a depiction of American teens that they can relate to and understand as well. I watched this movie at a special showing at a theater in Florida and the veteran that sat next to me cried his eyes out with pride and honor. This film is very well rounded and must be seen to be appreciated. I will not be surprised to see it on the family channel network one day after it is shown in theaters across the country. Kudos to to all who have created an American magnificence! Enjoy!

Worthy of national distribution - A must see!

[transplantncold · 10/10 · 14 November 2012]

Went to see this movie on Veterans' Day and it was the best way we could have spent that day! The story is well written with a couple of "twists" that I didn't see coming which is rare in this day and age. This movie should be part of the school system and shown to all Americans as part of a curriculum to help our young people to better understand some of their elders. Very moving and inspirational. I can't wait for it to come out on DVD. This will become one of our family traditions to watch on Veterans' Day just as we all have that one Christmas movie we have to watch every year. Worth every penny and every moment of watching.

Wonderful, heartfelt movie.

[caitlinhyland · 10/10 · 17 November 2011]

This was a wonderful movie! There was a balanced blend of drama and humor, with honest, witty dialog that kept the story going. The characters were well developed, leaving the audience with the feeling that they had been introduced to real people with important stories. The story shone a spotlight on veterans, military, and the complex issues surrounding war. The movie drew me in, kept moving well and resolved beautifully. I can honestly say that I have never, ever been in a theater where the audience gives a standing ovation at the end of a film. That is how much the story touched people. I would recommend this movie for anyone, any age. Definitely family friendly.

A movie all Americans should see.

[starwarsnerd99 · 9/10 · 18 November 2011]

Ten years ago we were attacked. Seventy years ago we were also attacked. We still talk about how we all stood together seventy years ago, but just ten years ago (On September 11, 2001) we did not stay standing against such an attack. This movie promotes that we honor our veterans and that although you may not believe in war, fighting or the Pledge of Allegiance our brave men in the armed services will still fight so you might keep that freedom. This is a film that should have spread nationwide long ago (instead of staying locally in three or so theater's in West Virginia), but I was blessed to see it in September in the state of West Virginia. I hope those who read this review will see the movie whether it is in a theater near you or on DVD, go see it, buy it; this is a movie we all need to see.