Jarhead

An interesting reflection on the first Iraq war, the Gulf War, the one that actually did have a reasonable purpose, was well executed, and accomplished what it set out to do, that is free Kuwait from Saddam Hussein’s invasion.

[SPOILER PARAGRAPH] The movie follows a group of young marines as they prepare to go to the Gulf and subsequently get ready to “kick the Iraqi Army’s butt.” As you would expect, they have great expectations regarding their upcoming big assault, but instead of being unleashed against Hussein’s forces right away, they are forced to sit and wait until those in command decide it’s time to attack. When the time comes, however, the Air Force is engaged first, to clear the way for a ground assault and reduce casualties, and the might of their attack is so big that Hussein is forced to capitulate, leaving our wanna-be heroes to watch from the sidelines, disappointed and frustrated, without having fired a single bullet.

As I said, it’s an interesting concept, based on a true story, that has its moments, but never really feels like a complete and satisfying tale. When the credits roll, you just get up and walk away, and what you saw is soon forgotten. Not a sign of a successful film, I would say.

Jake Gyllenhaal, as a strong, young man who is still trying to figure out what he wants for his life, is good (and steaming hot) in a role that is the polar opposite of his previous one, opposite Heath Ledger, in the sorrowful Brokeback Mountain.

The rest of the cast is very good and includes a few exceptional actors (Peter Sarsgaard, Jamie Foxx, Chris Cooper, and Dennis Haysbert), but no one particularly stands out, except perhaps for Sarsgaard, who alternatively stokes Gyllenhaal’s character’s fire and makes him realize the negative impact that war has on men.

Check this title out if you like war movies (but keep your expectations low) or if you like Jake Gyllenhaal (you won’t be disappointed), otherwise, skip it.

Grade: 6