The wave of recent films set against the backdrop of war in Iraq and post-9/11 security has failed to win over film-goers keen to escape grim news headlines when they go to the movies, analysts say. [...]
Almost without exception, however, the crop of movies have struggled to turn a profit at the box-office and in many cases have received a mauling from unimpressed critics as well.
"Rendition," a drama starring Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal about the CIA's policy of outsourcing interrogation of terror suspects, has taken just under 10 million dollars at the box office, a disastrous return.
Story Continues Below Ad ↓Oscar-winning director Paul Haggis's latest film "In the Valley of Elah," about a father investigating the death of his son in Iraq, earned favorable reviews but less than seven million dollars following its release in September.
The studio marketeers ought to have seen this coming for the simple reason that people go to the movies to be entertained not preached at.
Besides their silly moralizing, these Iraq war movies face a significant problem: they're being made by a bunch of insulated, rich Hollywood types who really have no idea what being in a war is like, let alone what being in the military is like. This problem is compounded hugely by the fact that you can within seconds pull up any number of military blogs like BlackFive, Mudville Gazette, and get real reports from real soldiers.
There's also a third problem. The American public is not nearly as angry and delirious about Iraq as the far left. Most Americans view our labors in Iraq the same way they view their local sports team. Up until recently, the home team's performance has been lackluster which has meant for less public support. Now that things have begun to turn around, however, Americans are viewing Iraq a lot more positively. This news couldn't have come at a worse time for "Rendition" and company.
—Matthew Sheffield is the creator of NewsBusters and its Executive Editor.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
"bunch of insulated, rich Hollywood types "
November 10, 2007 - 14:48 ET by upcountrywaterLMAO not so rich now, are uuuuuu lol
iranian uranium; iranian uranium, iranian uranium..
So when ARE the Russians going to finish the iranian atoms for peace power plant?
They just don't get it, and
November 10, 2007 - 14:48 ET by Chris NormanThey just don't get it, and I suspect never will.
Hopefully not..but
November 10, 2007 - 15:20 ET by NofThey will get it the day the morality police knock there doors down and take them to the public square for there "trial" and hanging. All the while hearing allah akbar in the background. But of course the 60+ million gun owners will either be dead, converted, or disarmed by the government.
"When you can't make them see the light, make them feel the heat" R. Reagan
Apparently, you must have
November 10, 2007 - 15:23 ET by Chris NormanApparently, you must have more faith in their ability to learn and understand than I...
They just don't get it, and
November 10, 2007 - 16:36 ET by motherbeltThey just don't get it, and I suspect never will. -Chris Norman
They get it, all right. They just don't care. They make the kind of movies they want to make. It's all about their ideology.
mb,No, I think they're
November 10, 2007 - 16:42 ET by Chris Normanmb,
No, I think they're surprised when the whole country doesn't flock to their propaganda films and march out in total agreement and up in arms (figuritively speaking). I think they really think that the public is ready to agree with them and only need to be "educated" a little more. I other words, they believe their own b.s. and truly believe that others should - and will - too. That's why they keep doing it over and over again.
Chris and mb... I think
November 10, 2007 - 16:44 ET by bigtimerChris and mb...
I think you are both right...one way or the other it all boils down to their....
....Agenda agenda agenda.
...and it's failing here...
That gives me hope and a lot to smile about for today anyway...
LOL!
They should try a pro-war
November 10, 2007 - 14:57 ET by mattmThey should try a pro-war movie, or an anti-anti-war movie, or an anti-terrorist movie, or a pro-America movie....
who am I kidding.....?
How about just making a
November 11, 2007 - 06:14 ET by motherbeltHow about just making a GOOD movie? I think if you set out to make a movie with a "message" it's going to come across as propaganda, and fail. If it's a military or political theme, just make a great, exciting movie. If people get a message from it, fine.
Look at the flack "24" gets from liberals. They think it's a popular show because conservatives like it. It doesn't occur to them that a lot of people love it because it's fast-paced,edge-of-the-seat exciting. Because to them, it's ALL about the message. They succeeded once with "The West Wing" and therefore think the time is right for more political propaganda movies.
I agree, MB. Some of my
November 11, 2007 - 15:06 ET by fitzfongI agree, MB. Some of my favorite shows have/had an unapologetically liberal bent. Law & Order, Homicide (great show), The Simpsons, Futurama and Boston Legal are, in my opinion, among the best written, most entertaining shows of all time. Each of these programs injects/injected healthy doses of left-leaning political observation, even propaganda. But at least the producers and writers of these shows have understood that job #1 is to entertain their audiences. Boston Legal became a little too preachy over the years, but the actors and scripts are strong enough that it's still worth watching. The West Wing, on the other hand, was derivative, nauseating garbage. This Clintonista wet dream was merely a lazy concoction of feel good, "ends justify the means" Hollywood films like "Dave", "The American President" and "Primary Colors"...put into weekly television form.
fitz
November 11, 2007 - 15:14 ET by BlondeAgree w/you about Homicide, but I don't really recall the liberal bias you mention.
Some of the best writing, and acting ever. Andre Brauer was incredible. I've not seen him do much since.
Remember Joe Perry as the D.C. cop in the hot Mustang?
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Homicide
November 11, 2007 - 15:49 ET by fitzfongBlonde,
In fairness, the liberalism was sprinkled in on Homicide. Bollander, Ned Beatty's character had a bit of an obsession with Iran-Contra and Oliver North. Meldrick occassionally worked in race and "economic justice". In my opinion, they tended to point the finger of blame for the poverty crisis in Baltimore on the stock "greedy businessmen". They played a little moral relativism with the Nation of Islam. Then, of course, there were the frequent conspiratorial ramblings of Belzer (though Munch was such a good character on Homicide...he's completely wasted on SVU). Homicide was such a great show, every character was multi-dimensional...Andre Braugher and Yaphet Kotto were fantastic...and I even tolerated Daniel Baldwin. It's too bad they killed off Crosetti...I enjoyed his partnership with Lewis and his fixation with the Lincoln assassination. Some great guest appearances, too: Robin Williams, Charles Dutton, Lily Tomlin, even Jay Leno had an entertaining cameo. I don't remember Joe Perry's appearance. Was it a later episode?
Homicide
November 11, 2007 - 16:09 ET by BlondeFrom IMDB, it was the 2nd episode of the 7th season. I kept shaking my head during that episode...."I know who that is????". Laughed when I found out. IIRC, he was a D.C. undercover cop (covered as a dealer?) who got wrapped up in one of the Baltimore investigations. Hey....it's been a long time.
I'm going to have to get the DVD of the entire series. I didn't start watching it until maybe the third year. Who was the blond cop (corrupt) who lived on the great fishing boat?
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Kellerman
November 11, 2007 - 16:42 ET by fitzfongBlonde,
I believe you're referring to Kellerman, played by Reed Diamond. He joined the unit at the beginning of the 4th season...transferring in from Arson. He eventually became Lewis' partner after Crosetti committed suicide. These days, I'm actually watching the 5th Season of Homicide on DVD...the Arson corruption scandal involving Kellerman is one of the ongoing storylines. I really enjoyed the program on TV when I had a chance to watch it, but I seem to remember that they buried it on Friday nights, so I didn't see it as often as I would have liked. I finally broke down and invested in the entire set (I got it really cheap online), and I highly recommend it. Even the packaging, set up like a miniature case file cabinet with file tabs giving episode summaries, is really cool. As they say in the ads, if you buy just one complete DVD set this year...
Very Cool
November 11, 2007 - 16:47 ET by BlondeMay I ask where & how much you found it?
Well, now you can jump forward and watch Joe Perry. As I said, very cool.
I remembered "Diamond", just not his first name.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
I got the whole 7 seasons,
November 11, 2007 - 17:27 ET by fitzfongI got the whole 7 seasons, with L&O crossovers and the movie finale back in August for about $120 including shipping and handling from DVD Planet (dvdplanet.com)...which is saying something when you consider how much it costs to buy just one season. I presume they still carry the complete series.
Reed Diamond is the name of the actor who played Detective Mike Kellerman on the show.
thanks, fitz!
November 11, 2007 - 17:44 ET by BlondeGreat info, I'd never heard of DVD Planet. Excellent buy....I thought I'd gotten a huge bargain paying $50 for Band of Brothers at the local Flea Market when it first came out.
Christmas is coming, and now I now what to put on my list.
Let me know when you watch the Joe Perry episode....it'll be interesting to see whether I remembered it correctly or not.
Reed Diamond...I've not seen him (nor anyone else except Belzer, actually) do much since then.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Any time, Blonde. It
November 11, 2007 - 18:20 ET by fitzfongAny time, Blonde. It might take me a while to get to the Joe Perry episode as I'm in mid-Season 5 right now and I'm trying to do the "order that the writers intended" routine. I may have to cheat ahead to see that one, though, as it might give my wife incentive to watch it with me. She doesn't like the whole "murder and mayhem" thing, but was a big Aerosmith fan. Not much arm twisting needed there, then.
I understand that a lot of the L&O/Homicide/SVU cast members worked their ways into Oz, though I've never seen that show (not an HBO subscriber, shucks no Bill Maher ;-) ). I believe Clark Johnson (Meldrick Lewis) is a director. Yapphet Kotto was in one of my all-time favorite movies, Midnight Run, with DeNiro, Charles Grodin and Dennis Farina. Braugher has been around, and I think he won an Emmy recently. Jon Polito (Crosetti) was in another of my favorite films, an early Coen Brothers movie called Miller's Crossing with Gabriel Byrne, Albert Finney, Steve Buscemi and John Turturo. Kyle Secor (Bayliss) was in "Commander in Chief"...in other words, he's done nothing since Homicide.
Gosh that is terrible
November 10, 2007 - 15:13 ET by well99I wont be able to sleep tonight knowing these left wing propaganda films are bombing at the box office....sigh
As they say....$$$ Money
November 10, 2007 - 15:30 ET by bigtimerAs they say....$$$ Money Talks!
$$$ Money Talks
November 10, 2007 - 15:32 ET byand it's screaming "Wake Up!!"
“The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race.” -Chief Justice John Roberts
bt, they don't care.
November 10, 2007 - 16:43 ET by motherbeltbt, $$$ may talk, but they're not listening. For instance, they know that G and PG family movies bring in more money. If they cared, they'd be cranking them out one after the other. Instead they continue to make R rated movies full of sex, violence and awful language, because that's the kind of movie they want to make.
I'm curious how a film like
November 10, 2007 - 15:39 ET by DontFeedTheTrollsI'm curious how a film like 'Blackhawk Down' did. I truly enjoyed the book, dunno how well the movie did.
D
Keep the ILLEGALS out, join NumbersUSA to send free faxes to your reps.
At your service...
November 10, 2007 - 15:47 ET by Chris NormanDomestic Total Gross: $108,638,745
Compare and contrast when
November 10, 2007 - 15:52 ET by Right2thePointCompare and contrast when the next Rambo movie comes out real soon now.
I read an article yesterday
November 10, 2007 - 15:52 ET by fitzfongI read an article yesterday about these lame, petty anti-war films. Producers and critics were essentially getting all of their excuses for failure out of the way even before failure was sealed. They were talking about how viewers "might not be ready" to shell out money to see a movie about the war when they could watch it for free on television. The usual "war fatigue" explanation was also trotted out. It never occurred to these people that perhaps audiences are not interested in paying good money to be lectured about the war by a bunch of ignorant, self-important Hollywood socialists like Meryl Steep and The Sundried Kid. They're absolutely delusional.
"Sundried Kid" - I like it.
November 10, 2007 - 15:55 ET by Chris Norman"Sundried Kid" - I like it. He's like an Imus - the face wrinkles up and collapses under a mop of a hairstyle that stays the same (albeit dyed and maybe artificial).
Chris... ROFL.... You
November 10, 2007 - 16:04 ET by bigtimerChris...
ROFL....
You beat me to it...I love the Sundried Kid reference too! Good job.
Btw...I read the PM... will get back to you.
Thanks BT.
November 10, 2007 - 16:07 ET by Chris NormanThanks BT.
The NY Post had an article
November 10, 2007 - 16:46 ET by motherbeltThe NY Post had an article in their entertainment section a while ago, about Newman and Redford, called "Crutch Cassidy and the Sunset Kid." Newman is 85 now, and Redford 74! Or 84 and 75, I forget which...
But I like your "Sundried Kid" better! LOL
Streep already tanked one
November 10, 2007 - 16:01 ET by Right2thePointStreep already tanked one when she played in Rendition.
Hollywood Believes
November 10, 2007 - 16:20 ET by MCPO AirdaleThe major players in Hollywood believe the tripe they read in the LAT, the B.S. polls (when was the last time you were called?) and the echo chamber that is their neocom cocktail party circuit.
I, for one, will be keeping my wallet firmly in my pocket, thank you very much.
It never occurred to these
November 11, 2007 - 06:22 ET by motherbeltIt never occurred to these people that perhaps audiences are not
interested in paying good money to be lectured about the war by a bunch
of ignorant, self-important Hollywood socialists like Meryl Steep and
The Sundried Kid. They're absolutely delusional.
That's right, when your movie fails, blame it on the audience (bunch of hicks). Isn't it amazing that they don't care what people want when they want to "teach" with movies like these, but when they churn out gore like "Saw IV" and "Alien vs. Predator: Requiem" they claim they do it because it's what the audience wants.
I'd add a fourth reason
November 10, 2007 - 16:07 ET by KC MulvilleMatt, you're right on.
The other reason, for me, is that there is no drama here. There is no conflict. You already know the ending before you see the movie. The only conflict being presented here is that the film-maker wants you to have the "courage" to agree with him.
Actually, let me add one more reason. Reality is so much more heroic. The public knows that these Hollywood-imagined anti-heroes are schlubs compared to the real men and women who are facing real drama, and showing real character, over in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I would like to offer Hollywood a deal. I'll pay money to go see your silly stories of innocent Americans awakening into anti-war liberals if ... and only if ... you do just one legitimate story on Michael Murphy, the Medal of Honor winner. Tell his story honestly, and I'll bet you make a fortune anyway. We both win. Until then, however, I won't waste a dime on yet another whining, self-indulgent, why-can't-the-world-see-the-truth fantasies like you people put out now.
Come on, one Mikey Murphy story. Just one.
Voting with their feet....
November 10, 2007 - 16:35 ET by doug1950Go read the remarks made by moviegoers on Yahoo.com regarding the newly released or soon to be released Lions to Lambs or whatever the hell the name of the Redford's new flick is. Story goes people are getting up and walking out and/or demanding their money back. Even people who scored free tickets are blasting it as a POS movie with three different story lines that never get developed and the movie just ends, leaving the viewers to make up their own minds WTF happened. Even the critics, who were more merciful than the general public said it stank up the place. Most felt it was nothing more than a hit piece for the left. Some of the remarks are hilarious. Hollywood thinks they have their finger on the pulse of America but judging from the comments they missed it by a lightyear.
More Reviews
November 10, 2007 - 18:33 ET by Del Dolemontefrom SLATE: "The movie was a hot ticket at a London film festival this week, but the Times of London derided its "almost autistic lack of personality." Variety called it "talky." We suspect it costs reviewers some anguish to smite Robert Redford, but in the early going, Lions for Lambs is scoring a weak 40 percent on Rotten Tomatoes"
I heard ABC News' Bill Diehl review this movie on the wireless this morning. He gave it a mostly negative review, saying it was "preaching to the choir". But then he gave it 4 stars! At least he's honest about his bias...
By the way, a lot of Redord's fawning supporters would be surprised to learn that he was tossed out of college-for being a drunk. At least Dubyah graduated...
Read It Here
November 10, 2007 - 20:04 ET by stratmanI posted the news from Yahoo with links to a dozen major newspapers reviews and the overwhelming negative posts by movie-goers about the dreck called Lion In Lambs on the open thread earlier today.
Scooped Matthew for once!
Killing them with kindness isn't working. Time to get scrappy with the Donkeys.
Maverick the...
November 11, 2007 - 01:30 ET by UnsaneLions for Lambs, starring Maverick. :-)
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
Almost without
November 10, 2007 - 16:23 ET by MidAmericaAlmost without exception, however, the crop of movies have struggled to turn a profit at the box-office and in many cases have received a mauling from unimpressed critics as well.
I hear the print versions (NYT, LAT) and the Books on Audio version (PBS) aren't doing so well either.
Contrast this with
November 10, 2007 - 16:26 ET by Gary P JacksonContrast this with WWII.
Some of the studio's top males stars didn't do patriotic movies, they enlisted! And Hollywood found still plenty of folks to play heros in patriotic movies. Some of it may have bordered on propoganda, but it was all pro America!
And what did Hollywood's leading ladies do? They went out and sold war bonds! The entertained the troops! Whatever they could do to help America at a time of peril.
Today's Hollywood is a total disgrace!
Last Movie I Saw
November 10, 2007 - 16:43 ET by Blondein the theatre was The 300.
The only reason I watched Redford's SpyGames was because it was directed by one of the Scott brothers (don't remember which one, now).
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Blonde
November 10, 2007 - 17:56 ET by doug1950I agree and I was just thinking about that movie yesterday being so well done in stark contrast to the latest attempts by Redford.
SpyGames took its lefty shots, tho
November 10, 2007 - 18:12 ET by BlondeBut if you ignored them, and concentrated on the exciting parts, it was an okay movie.
How about Redford in the Last Castle? He just keeps the hits churning, doesn't he.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Sneakers
November 11, 2007 - 01:31 ET by UnsaneHow about Redford ruining Sneakers with its preachy, moronic, useless last scene?
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
Tommy Lee Joneski
November 10, 2007 - 17:24 ET by Lame CherryI always like seeing this bovine scat come out as it is interesting which propagandists sign on to do them. You will notice none of the big names like Penn or Hanks ever do it, but they con some quiet leftist like Tommy Lee Jones to taking the hit.
I won't ever watch another thing by Jones, and not that I ever watched Witherspoon she is a non view now too on all her efforts.
Haggis turned out Due South for CBS long ago which was a great series, but since his Canuck liberalism only churns out crap Jane Fonda likes.
I still love Bob Duvall who told Spielberg to grow screw himself. He is a Christian, Patriot and American. I would rather watch a rerun of him as Lucky Ned Pepper in True Grit than any of the Redford propaganda even with a free ticket, popcorn and the promise of a centerfold signing autographs in the lobby.
John Wayne still rules.
*HIC IACET ARTORIVS REX QVONDAM REXQVE FVTVRVS
I still love Bob
November 10, 2007 - 18:49 ET by Trix RabbitI still love Bob Duvall
IMHO Robert Duvall is one of the greatest American actors of our time and I am glad, that in spite of his political views, he is still working in Hollywood.
I'll watch him as Tom Hagen or Boss Spearman anytime.
Liberal: a power worshipper without power. George Orwell
what about Gus? “The
November 10, 2007 - 19:05 ET bywhat about Gus?
“The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race.” -Chief Justice John Roberts
Yes, Gus McCrae was another
November 10, 2007 - 19:09 ET by Trix RabbitYes, Gus McCrae was another great role for him. And I'll watch that too.
Liberal: a power worshipper without power. George Orwell
Gus
November 10, 2007 - 19:13 ET by BlondeOne of my all time favorites.
Lonesome Dove.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
just not in one
November 10, 2007 - 19:17 ET byjust not in one sitting
“The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race.” -Chief Justice John Roberts
Another Duvall Gem
November 10, 2007 - 19:27 ET by Del DolemonteIf you haven't seen it already, Duvall's performance as "Daddy Hilyer" in the 1991 film "Rambling Rose" is one of his best and well worth seeking out. I knew Calder Willingham, the guy who wrote the book (and also the movie screenplay) and while naturally he was his own worst critic and seemed somewhat disappointed in how the movie eventually turned out, he told us that Duvall nailed his role perfectly, which was in reality based on his own father.
If the name sounds vaguely familiar, Calder also wrote the screenplay for 1967's "The Graduate" with Buck Henry (for which they got an Oscar nomination) and later did the screenplay for another Dustin Hoffman film, "Little Big Man".
Can't believe nobody's mentioned...
November 10, 2007 - 19:45 ET by rx4music...The Great Santini. DuVall was nominated for an Oscar for his role as a Marine aviator. There aren't many movies that correctly portray Marines (they are a special breed...), but, this one comes really close. Another that I like is Heartbreak Ridge with Clint Eastwood. He was the spitting image of my dad when you see him in his greens with that rack of ribbons on his chest and that high-and-tight haircut. It was on TV the other night and I couldn't pass it by without watching.
-
November 12, 2007 - 21:08 ET by Dave R-
Die Hard 4, what inspiration!!!
November 10, 2007 - 18:30 ET by exLibAside from the typical Hollywood cop-out that the criminal was an American (Supposed right-winger), Die Hard 4 was an awesome movie. It had it all:
Liberal "young-guy" who was a totally cynical left-winger got laid out by Bruce Willis when he tried to insist that the Media was some corporate conspiracy.
Great Line: Those are PEOPLE out there who are SCARED and need you to step up and protect them.
Bruce Willis line that the heroes are "The only ones who will do it"
Of course, some incredible special effects and stunts.
That is TRUE BRAVERY. Not this garbage Redford, Streep and every other MSM'er who creates this Conservative Strawman, makes him out to be so uber-powerful and then pretends to "Stand-Up" and "Speak Out".
You're inspired by Die Hard
November 10, 2007 - 21:07 ET by balboaYou're inspired by Die Hard 4? Really? don't get me wrong, I loved the first two, but I didn't find them inspirational.
Try This Willis Film
November 10, 2007 - 22:09 ET by Del Dolemonte"Tears of the Sun", made in 2004. Bruce plays a Special Forces commander who leads a team into the jungles of Nigeria to rescue a lady doctor and 70 refugees. It's not Oscar material, but it's not bad either.
Trivia: "Nigeria" in the movie was actually the Hawaiian island of Oahu, which has a population of over 1 million people. Some of the jungle scenes were literally filmed within 5 miles of downtown Honolulu!
"Tears of the Sun" will be shown on F/X this coming Wednesday (11/14) in prime time with a repeat immediately after at 11 PM Eastern time.
Nothing Like Bruce in The
November 11, 2007 - 04:01 ET by Dan The Man 2Nothing Like Bruce in The Fith Element
Nuke em til they glow then shoot em in the dark.
Underrated movie. Even
November 11, 2007 - 09:23 ET by Roger the ShrubberUnderrated movie. Even Chris Tucker couldn't ruin it!
Might have been Chris
November 11, 2007 - 16:57 ET by balboaMight have been Chris Tucker's greatest work!
Love Luc Besson, "The Professional," "La Femme Nikita."
Mel Gibson
November 10, 2007 - 18:39 ET by MBConservI think Mel Gibson has some credibility left, I would like to see him come out with another inspirational film, one that just ignites that "fire in your gut" to defend your homeland (ie Braveheart, The Patriot, etc)
No matter how much lipstick Washington tries to slap onto this legislative pig, it’s not going to win any beauty contests." Fred Thompson
We Were Soldiers Once
November 10, 2007 - 18:44 ET by BlondeIs on TNT right now.
Mel's okay in my book.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Thanks!
November 10, 2007 - 18:51 ET by MBConservThanks for the suggestion, but i am busy enjoying the Ohio State loss and their fall from grace =)
No matter how much lipstick Washington tries to slap onto this legislative pig, it’s not going to win any beauty contests." Fred Thompson
Good movie Blonde!!
November 10, 2007 - 18:55 ET by exLibI saw it on cable. Very real, doesn't sugar coat war and yet, at the same time, it gives dignity to the soldiers that most H'wood movies don't.
A bit too bloody for the average viewer though is probably why it didn't do so well.
Apocolypto is on Starz now, so I"ll be seeing that soon. They on screen guide gives it 3 stars, surprising.
Yes, it is
November 10, 2007 - 18:58 ET by BlondeWith a pretty good cast.
The book was even better.
I'll watch until my Gators start.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
They were soldiers is a
November 11, 2007 - 19:25 ET by buddycThey were soldiers is a brilliant movie showing the horrors of ware but honoring the service and bravery of our military and their families. There could not be a better way to show the horrors of war in an honorable manner.
We Were Soldiers
November 11, 2007 - 19:39 ET by BlondeI had seen it at the theatre when it was released.
But a movie is always better on the second (and subsequent) watching(s).
The movie (as I understand from my research on the net today) was a fairly realistic view, from (then) Col. Hal Moore's viewpoint. And realistically depicted both our army and the PAVN.
It also fairly depicted the actual first battle manoevre of Air Cav, which was all theoretical and untried at the time.
Furthermore, it accurately captured the lack of intel as to what the 1/7th was facing (3 brigades), and the brilliance with which Colonel Moore defeated a Custer-like defeat (which was at the fore of his mind after the renaming of his battalion in the Air Cav regiment).
I read the book many years ago, but I'm headed to the bookstore to purchase a copy for my own library.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Blonde...
November 10, 2007 - 19:52 ET by MrShyHow about, Hollywood do a movie that portrays the CURRENT Iraq war, and our soldiers, as heroes... or in some positive light?
Or fine, a non-Hollywood/indie one, then? My funny feeling is, it's THAT kind of movie people are terrified of doing.... and yet, so many in this country -- a majority, in fact -- are yearning for this. Go figure....
"MY end justifies THAT mean." - Shakespeare (not really)
How about a documentary about the truth in Iraq?
November 10, 2007 - 20:01 ET by rx4musicUnfortunately, it takes a lot of money to get the kind of distributing that would make a real (societal) difference, but, Pat Dollard's movie Young Americans is one that deserves to be seen. Know any producers with a few million bucks of disposable cash laying around? I'd also like to see Michael Yon be able to put something together as well. His photos and writing are just the sort of thing the public needs to see. His picture of the cross being re-mounted is one of the first to get any national exposure. We/the world needs to see more...
rx4music...
November 10, 2007 - 21:11 ET by MrShyHey, read up on Tim Graham's post about ITVS.... interesting, and sort of scary, as it pertains to this.
"MY end justifies THAT mean." - Shakespeare (not really)
Good stories waiting to be filmed
November 10, 2007 - 22:37 ET by nkviking75I wonder if I'll live long enough to see a movie based on any one of the many heroic deeds done by our military in Iraq and Afghanistan. Or how about the portrayal of any one of the stories of children sent to America for free, lifesaving surgery?
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
Hollywood is FAKE, and so are MOVIES...
November 10, 2007 - 20:01 ET by JayTeeI hope this sends a message.....to the Dems....people are voting right now...at the Box Office.
The Military is gonna show back up in the USA with experienced Soldiers newly elected to Office taking the Congress Politicians to task......
Maybe the next Time some Idiot congressman from Nevada says the "War is lost".....there will be some newly elected ex Iraqi Vet will ask him to step outside ......to open up a can of "whup ass".....
The first one now, will later be last,
The times they are a changing
What good is a Free Press, if it is a False Press ? David Foote GoE
Has Hollywood done anything good since "Cannonball Run"?
November 11, 2007 - 00:57 ET by Carl KolchakI don't know about the rest of you, but I don't think the stuck up people in Hollywood have done anything good since "Cannonball Run." How about Dom Deloise as Captain Chaos? Now that's more Oscar worthy than any other stuck up Hollywood actor winning a best Oscar.
And how about the brilliant people who came up with "Alien versus Predatror" or "Jason versus Freddy'? Wow, there sure are some brilliant people in Hollywood.
Note to Hollywood. You want a brilliant remake, then do a remake of "Bambi versus Godzilla."
"I've always been crazy, but it's kept me from going insane" Waylon Jennings
I've been saying the same thing since...
November 11, 2007 - 01:18 ET by rx4music...they made the movie BABE. They just don't make talking pig movies like they used to... ;^)
We're Sick Of Redford The Red
November 11, 2007 - 01:15 ET by JoelCTFace it, people. America is SICK of Redford The Red and his Liberal/Socialist claptrap. He has not made a movie that made money in America since Horse Whisperer, and that only made money because our wives dragged us to the theater to see it. (Sorry ladies.) Look at what this bozo has done to the people who have invested money in him in his last four movies:
An Unfinished Life
Production Budget: $30 million
Domestic Total Gross: $8,586,392
The Clearing
Production Budget: N/A
Domestic Total Gross: $5,763,875
Spy Game
Production Budget: $115 million
Domestic Total Gross: $62,362,560
The Last Castle
Production Budget: $72 million
Domestic Total Gross: $18,244,060
Now we can add to that list this latest anti-American brainwash masquerading as "entertainment". I have been smiling non-stop ever since I saw the Friday estimate posted on boxofficemojo this afternoon.
Redford should send Sean Penn a thank-you note because as long as Penn is still around, Redford can't be the most anti-American actor in the U.S. Oh wait, I forgot about Danny Glover, George Clooney, Jane Fonda, Michael Moore...
<edit> Sorry, I forgot to put the Friday estimate: $2,150,000 in over 2200 theaters. That's a whopping $971 ticket sales per theater! Redford will be lucky if the film makes $20 million.
Which means that in the
November 11, 2007 - 02:15 ET by Right2thePointWhich means that in the areas that suck this drivel up the theaters will be full but every where else you could fire a cannon load of grapeshot into the theater and not hit any one. Not even worth starting up the popcorn machine with a full load.
I really liked The Last
November 11, 2007 - 18:13 ET by balboaI really liked The Last Castle. Very good movie, I thought.
You think you don't like
November 11, 2007 - 19:23 ET by buddycYou think you don't like Redford now? Go to Sundance and then look at pictures of the area before Redford called in the bulldozers!
No one is a bigger scumbag than Redford.
They'll keep making this crap.
November 11, 2007 - 18:03 ET by steveba4And they'll keep losing their money.
Another Good One
November 11, 2007 - 18:22 ET by BlondeWhich just came on.
Crimson Tide.
They just dove the boat. Wow.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Crimson Tide
November 13, 2007 - 13:17 ET by UnsaneThat is a good movie...however, I have yet to meet a submariner who doesn't hate it.
I loved The Hunt For Red October, both the novel AND the movie.
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
Hollywood minus writers -- golden silence!
November 11, 2007 - 23:45 ET by w0tmAnyone notice what remains in the minds of our geopolitical world class learned reservoirs of infinite wisdom without the words they are forced to utter by Hollywood writers? They FINALLY have the opportunity to educate the total imbeciles we are with the knowledge of the ages without writers getting in their way!
I've been waiting, and waiting and waiting. What? The sound of one hand clapping. A tree falling in the forest with no one there. The sound of a gun shot in a vacuum.
To some of us it is blessed golden silence even though we are missing out on recitations from the world's most treasured teachers.
But, still, without being told what to think by Rosie, Oprah, Barbra and all the others hanging on their every word, what shall some of us do? Think for ourselves? Impossible! If they don't settle this strike soon, half the country will be in total meltdown!