about
You're reading a really old version of matt-thornton's website. For example, if you're looking at the movie reviews... you'll notice that none of them are of recent films. Indeed, I leave them here for posterity's sake, but I doubt very much that they'll get updated anytime soon. So have a giggle.
You might, if you're lucky, find something recent from Matt at his blog matt's debates. Kernow bys vyken.
Jarhead
the one line review:
true story of US Marines in 1st Gulf War
the overview
I thought this was going to be a comedy. But turns out it was more Full Metal Jacket, only less serious.
the plot:
The film charts the lives of US Marines during the 1st Gulf War. They are sent to the desert to protect some oil lines for what was due to be a quick mission, but turned out to be a lot longer. Told from the life of and based on the book by Anthony Swofford (Gyllenhal) it describes the madness that the troops had to put up with whilst being stationed in a dangerous place, but seeing virtually zero action.
the verdict:
It's good - it's got a gritty Full Metal Jacket/Platoon feel to it that works nicely. Gylenhal is good as the lead and supported well. I have no idea if the film is true to life (because I was never in the Gulf War) but from a purely critical perspective, it's an enjoyable war-ish flick.
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