Jarhead

Jarhead: Many movies have been done about soldiers in the Vietnam War and World War II, but Jarhead is one of the first to be done about the ground troops involved in the 1st Gulf War. As we know the ground troops did not see much action on the battlefield, so do not expect big “war scenes” ala Private Ryan (not much action at all). What we do see is the psyche of the marines that went to the gulf and how they are trained both physically and mentally for the experience. Marines are one of the toughest trained groups around…..second only to the Cobra Kai karate group. Based on the writings of real life Marine Anthony Swofford, we have a very authentic look at the experience. The acting job by Jake Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, and Jamie Foxx are all good and believable. It is not a traditional story – we do not have a hero overcoming obstacles to solve a problem or reach a dream. Instead the story just reflects the time and the situation without much resolved. I thought it was a very fascinating insight, but for a movie as a whole I would only slightly recommend.

* * and ½ stars

If this movie had parents they would be: Full Metal Jacket and Three Kings

With a running time of 123 minutes
This movie is rated R