Review:
Jarhead
Country: USA
Year: 2005
Genres: War
Interest [4****]
First of all, forget everything you've heard or read about Jarhead. It is a movie that it hard to describe, but enjoyable enough that it is recommendable to most everyone. Jarhead is an interesting movie. It gives food for thought, and stay politically free of bias, for the most part. If you are looking close enough you will see the director's views on both Iraq wars, but that isn't the comment of the film. This is one reason why it's interesting. In America today, there seems to be a dichotomy of views: good or bad. This film doesn't avoid the question, but doesn't exact concern itself with the question at all. We see a military (marine's) point of view. Not the camera's, not the politician's, and not the civilian's. This is a movie from the soldier and to everyone. It is quite enjoyable and interesting at that.
Characters [3***]
A number of decent actors that do their job. Though, some of the situations get a little childish... but isn't that kind of the point when you're in the desert for months without anything to do? Still, the characters are believable and developed, for the main roles. Most of the lesser roles are forgetable.
Music and Visuals[3***]
Nice, modern music selection with more than a hint of Apocalypse Now type music-action sequences. But I think this kind of hurts the quality of the film. Yet since this is so familiar to war movies, one doesn't help but to feel right at home, figuratively. The scenery contrasts nicely. When in the desert, it feels like the desert, etc. Other scenes (which I won't give away) give a nice change of visual appeal.
Overall [3***]
I would recommend Jarhead to anyone already thinking about watching it. It is quite well done, though I don't know how much re-play quality there is. I think it's easily worth one watch. And it will give something to think and talk about. This is always a plus. A few things keep it from escalating to great quality, like it's tendency to stay away from getting very serious. It is more a story than anything else. A story that is fun to follow.
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