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Created Dec 31, 2008 09:47PM PST • Edited Dec 31, 2008 09:47PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Good 3.0

   Mel Gibson stars as Lt. Col Hal Moore in battle of la Drang Valley in Vietnam (aka “The Valley of Death”) — a seemingly impossible situation for the 395 men dropped in to the heart of a valley occupied by 4000 enemy. In general, the movie was an engaging focus on the preparation and eventual battle, and a must-see for war-movie fans. If you are only a casual war-movie sort, the movie will probably drag on a bit long.

4. Acting

   OK 2.5

   Mel does a decent job — but there was something about the preachy mannerisms that didn’t sit so well. I think he does better in those macho roles that don’t require so much talking :) Greg Kinnear is recognizeable but only average as Maj Bruce ‘Snake’ Crandall, Chris Klein makes an appearance, but you don’t see much. Sam Elliot makes a perfect gruff first seargeant constantly muttering statements only comprehensable by other soldiers.

5. Male Stars OK 2.5

6. Female Stars OK 2.5

7. Female Costars OK 2.5

8. Male Costars OK 2.5

10. Film

    Good 3.0

    The film definitely has its moments: heartfelt speeches and grittly battle scenes. The music and action was a bit melodramatic for my taste, but I may be spoiled, just having re-watched “Saving Private Ryan” and “Band of Brothers”.

11. Direction Good 3.0

12. Play Good 3.0

13. Music Good 3.0

14. Visuals Good 3.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Sordid 2.6

17. Sex Erotic 2.6

18. Violence Brutal 2.6

19. Rudeness Profane 2.6

21. Reality

    Glib 2.0

22. Circumstantial Supernatural 4.0

23. Biological Natural 1.0

24. Physical Natural 1.0