Act Of Valor

This is one of those movies that I am proud to have gone and seen. There are many things technically wrong with this movie, BUT THAT IS NOT THE POINT.  The point of this film is to show the unparalleled bravery and commitment that our servicemen exhibit. And because of that there will be no credit links in this post. In making its point of valor, this movie is a complete success..
It begins with showing how these are real people. Men who have families, friends, and lives. Lives that they have given to the service of their country. A service not in as a judge, or a congressman. But a warrior who, by the very nature of their job, has to kill or be killed for a living.
The film then jumps in to the action. The very cruel nature and use of terror is shown with the blowing up of an ice cream truck at a school and escalates from there. The SEAL team is then called into action.The actions scenes are fast efficient and brutal. Every action movie should be done this way. The actions shots are engaging. They put you in the middle of the action.You'll get no clever lines and no frills. Just real tough men doing real tough work. With silent kills, in your face dog fights, and car chases this movie delivers. And the heroes are not supermen. They are just as able to be wounded and the next man, and it happens. The fact that they have real servicemen participating make all of the actions scenes pop, and takes them all to the next level.
The very real nature and truth in the story is what makes this movie so compelling. The acting is not fabulous, but the fact that the story is a retelling of actual events that actual people did make it every enthralling. It makes you proud of every single serving  soldier.
On a personal note. There is no way that these men and women are getting compensated nearly enough for putting their lives on the line. I vote for taking the politicians money to pay these fantastic men more. Since they do actual work and risk actual limb.
In conclusion this movie, despite it dark subject, is a feel good movie. It fills you with pride for your country and pride in the military. This real story of service just blows away any technical complaints I may have had. Thank you to all those who serve our country. You not only keep us safe, but others around the world safe. The world is a better place with you in it. God bless you.

A View To A Kill

Sadly, I haven't been to see a new movie in a while so I am going to just blog it up about an older movie I have re-watched. And most recently I have watched "A View To A Kill". IMDB has this rated at a 6.2. And I really don't like to give number ratings because I feel like they change over time, but in this case I like it. Because it is just slightly better than average. It has everything I want from a Bond film. Beautiful women. lots of action, and a marvelously elaborate world domination scene.
The more I see Roger Moore as 007, the more I like him. A very confident and polished look that suits the character. The female costars Tanya Roberts and Grace Jones fall a little flat in the acting department for me. If I didn't know better I would have thought this was Roberts first performance ever. In which case it would be her last. Because outside of being of very pleasing eye candy I can barely stand her. Grace is better in that she doesn't have to do much acting. Her strong silent character suits her for the majority of the film until the end where she gets betrayed. I let it slide though because I enjoyed her for the other 90 minutes. The one person who I wish we could make a revival in the bond world for is Chistopher Walken. He was the most over the top character, and yet the least goofy. He already has a menacing look like he knows something you don't, and will do whatever it takes to dominate. I feel as though his villain could be taken from this Bond and put into a more modern serious Bond and still work.
From underwater, to over the Golden Gate Bridge, this Bond try to continuously out-do itself with action. It does for the most part. A final encounter on the top of the bridge is a nail biter. Even the goofy horse race scene the Zorin rigs the hurdles is fun to watch. They all play well up to the main plot which is to flood Silicon Valley and corner the computer chip market.
Having said all of these good things I have to end on a bad. It is just too goofy. There is a fun cool element to 007 movies, that I don't think this one exactly captures. This one is too much fun. It is very entertaining, however I just feel it misses on those almost real moments that James needs. Be it with his female co-star or villain.
All in all again this is slightly over average. Could be my love for this franchise or just my love for Mr. Walken.