Overrated and overhyped

Fanciful, disturbing, and wildly original, it announces the arrival of a fresh, bold voice in American cinema.

The movie really just wants to entertain people.

There's a more than satisfactory amount of boom-boom in the movie's trim running time.

We (wife, brother-in-law, sister-in-law) watched this moving, wonderful tribute to our fallen military men and women last night. Thankfully, it was not political. I wholeheartedly recommend this movie (I also recommend that you have a box of tissues on hand). General Kelly recently described the process that the movie tells but the movie makes it vividly clear. I salute the producers, director and actors (especially Kevin Bacon) for their excellent work. Viewing should be mandatory for all NFL players.

I was really amazed by this film - there is no actual action in it but is so emotionally strong! At first sight it looks like documentary but it's actually not. The topic - bringing home dead soldier - is really heart-breaking, involving all of us, thou not everyone of us has direct ties with the military. I was pleased that there was no propaganda, no politics, no religion - just simple truth and reality. And Kevin Bacon played his part so well - to catch and express that thin line between grief, sympathy, doubt and strict military training. No surprise he won golden globe for it. This film has to be seen by everyone, no matter where they live, what religion or political view they have.

It's 2004 as casualties in Iraq climb. Marine Lt. Col. Mike Strobl (Kevin Bacon) is a Desert Storm veteran and hasn't been back to Iraq since. He wonders if his administrative job is worthy as he lives comfortably in the States with his family. He decides to escort the body of 19 year old PFC Chance Phelps back home to Clifton, Colorado which is also his hometown.There is a power to this movie. It doesn't have much drama. There is a very small reveal but that's not its big strength. It's the powerful scenes of respect coming from the people that Strobl encounters. The act of showing returning casualties amounted to an anti-war statement for some people. This is able to show the compelling human respect without taking sides in the war.

Not many movies show what's it really like to be in the military and the respect that the members have for their country, their uniform, and for each other. Then their is the total respect for the fallen. Great movie, very moving, and a must see for every American. I was in the military and worked for the armed services for 40 years and there are many of the little things that I didn't know when fallen members are transported home. Keven Bacon is perfect for his role, and Chance's family must have been extras we perfect as well. Really had the look, feel, and personalities of the people of Montana/Wyoming area of our country.