Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Ben Foster, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch, Yousuf Aaami, Eric Bana, Alexander Ludwig, Ali Suliman, Jerry Ferrara. Rated: R.  Action/Drama/Biography.  Running Time: 2 hours 1 minute.

 

Based on the real life mission, Operation Red Wings from 2005, Lone Survivor is the story of four elite Navy SEALS dropped into Afghanistan to apprehend and kill Taliban leader Ahmad Shah.  Shah (Azami) is an earlobeless, heartless murderer who you will instantly hate, and our men, Marcus Luttrell (Wahlberg), Michael Murphy (Kitsch), Matt Axelson (Foster) and Danny Dietz (Hirsch) you will quickly realize have been sent to one of the most hostile environments imaginable.  While set up in an observational position high above the enemy compound, the guys are discovered by a goat herder and his two young sons.  Rules of Engagement dictate that they must let them go, so they do and scrub the mission.  This is the first part of the movie that angered me.  Okay let them go, but tie them to a tree then make your escape, don’t just let them walk/run away!  They went straight to Shah and soon the whole fucking compound was raining fire down on them.  This is certainly a story of bravery the likes of which I can’t even imagine conjuring myself.  These SEALS are the best there are, but therein lies another problem in my opinion.  They are so good they perceive themselves invincible, and against insurmountable and obvious unwinnable odds, this seemed to cloud their judgment as pertaining to their escape.  I don’t want to diminish at all what these men went through or downplay the valiant way they fought, it’s easy to give opinions sitting on the couch watching events unfold.  That is what we’re here to do though, so I’ll leave my two cents out there for you to evaluate.  

I agree that there were moments as the story developed on screen where I just didn’t comprehend the decision making.  It was mostly infuriating because I was still finding myself hoping they’d all make it out alive.  Something the viewer already knows is not possible going in; as it’s so blatantly advertised by the title.  And although this film is based on true events – it would be impossible to completely simulate the actual incident.  So, I resign myself to the belief that they did everything they could have to try and survive.  And when it came down to it, they had to make the ultimate sacrifices for their brothers.  We picked a very fitting movie for the week of the 4th.  And as we celebrate our independence today, the men and women who fight to protect our freedom are at the forefront of my thoughts.  I have always been quite mindful of them, but after the conclusion of Lone Survivor I found myself feeling the depth of thankfulness they truly deserve.  Soldiers forfeit time with wives, children, family and friends to defend our country.  And dead soldiers leave all of these people behind.  To be the type of soldier that is on the frontlines of battle takes a certain degree of selflessness, the likes of which is rare.  The greatest tragedy is that we have to lose people of that caliber.  Those are the type of people that I want around.  The people we need more of in this World.

Well written Maria.  The title, Lone Survivor, does take away some of the “edge of your seat” suspense of the movie, especially near the end.  It’s a Mark Wahlberg film, who do you think is going to be left standing (so to speak)?  There are some seriously shitty people in this world, and LS portrays that in spades.  I found myself despising these bad guys.  This wasn’t a comic book, this was real life and I wanted them all dead.  That being said, there is still decency to be found, and as illustrated here, sometimes you can find it in the most unlikely of places.  So on this Fourth of July, I would suggest you have fun, be safe and show patience and kindness to your fellow man.  Regardless of whatever political or theological differences we all have, this is still, easily, the greatest country in the world.  And that we have the rights to believe what we want is not to be taken for granted.  Thousands of brave men and women have given their lives so that we can cookout, light off fireworks, go boating, take our kids to a parade or just sit on the couch and watch a movie.  So celebrate being an American today, and maybe raise a glass to the people that have helped keep this country safe and free. 

I think that is a wonderful message for the 4th.  Lone Survivor is definitely one of those movies that gives its audience perspective and leaves them thinking long after.  I’ve been thinking about it and discussing it with people for days.  And that’s what is truly important about this film.  It spotlights the real heroes and the real people that deserve recognition.  Not the Bieber’s and the Miley’s and the Kanye’s that are splattered all over magazine covers in the market.  These soldiers should be the ones cashing 7 figure checks.  Because the service they provide is priceless.  I don’t even like “war movies”, as I so often refer to this genre.  But I enjoyed Lone Survivor and I believe it’s an important piece of cinema.  Happy 4th everyone!  America, fuck yeah.

Ross’ Rating: 3.75 Gummy Bears out of 5.

Maria’s Rating: 4 Gummies.