Wonderful character development!

Good story, Not enough for a whole film

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

Good, but could have been mind-blowingly great. The movie was set up perfectly in the first two-thirds or so, but failed to make a profound point. The final third isn't a waste, having some very poignant and sensitive moments, but it was set up for something massively insightful.Quite original plot and sensitive, flowing Clint Eastwood-like direction. Superb performances from Ben Foster and Woody Harrelson. Harrelson deserved his Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination. Solid support from Samantha Morton and a good minor performance from Steve Buscemi.

The Messenger is an endearing film with themes regarding the psychological aspects of war. One thing to note is this is not a war film. There are no battles and not one scene is located in Iraq. However, there is this one powerful scene that has war being described in monologue. Another thing to note is the film is very painful to watch and the reactions from the loved ones of the deceased are normal reactions and they are quite emotional. The film is a small film, but it is a very powerful film. This film is about a staff sergeant named Will Montgomery who just returned from overseas to recover from injuries. He is assigned as a casualty notification officer paired with the strict Captain Stone. He is told the rules of how to do this job, but the question of ethics come into play thanks to a newly-formed widow, Olivia. The acting is very strong. Woody Harrelson is one of my favorite actors and he can do no wrong in my book. His portrayal as the recovering alcoholic Tony Stone is just incredibly powerful. Ben Foster also delivers a career-best performance as the lonely soldier attracted to Samantha Morton's character, Olivia. Morton did an excellent job as well. Overall, The Messenger is a movie that shows what happens during the home aspect of the war and just how hard it is to notify loved ones of their soldier's death. It's a moving portrayal of how two men attempt to keep their moral up and be as strong-willed as possible. That makes it even harder to watch the film. The realism of this movie is quite extraordinary. A small film, but a powerful film nonetheless. I rate this film 9/10.

US Army Staff Sergeant Will Montgomery (Ben Foster) is a hero severely injured in Iraq with only a few months left. He is reassigned as part of the Casualty Notification Team. He has an affair with his ex-girlfriend Kelly (Jena Malone) who is engaged with somebody else. He is teamed up with Captain Tony Stone (Woody Harrelson) who treats his work seriously. They go to inform Olivia Pitterson (Samantha Morton) but she seems unconcerned. She intrigues Will who starts getting involved in her and her kid's lives.These are interesting and compelling characters. The performances by Foster and Harrelson are terrific. There are some powerful moments especially some of the notifications. The main plot meanders a bit and feels a bit aimless. It's worthwhile to see the good performances.

Woody Harrelson is Captain Tony Stone, and he is assigned the thankless job of notifying next of kin of a loved ones death during military service in the Middle East. It is remarkable to see the transformation of an actor famous for playing a goof ball on Cheers, become one of the best leading men working today. He is given a new partner, Sergeant Will Montgomery(Ben Foster), a war hero, just back from combat in Iraq. The two make an interesting pair as they make the rounds, delivering bad news to mothers, fathers, sons and daughters of the fallen. The first thing Stone tells Montgomery is of the strict policy of no physical contact with the family members. Their encounters are heartbreaking and the emotional toll it takes on them is overwhelming. If this film doesn't make you cry, then you are seriously disturbed. The script is solid and Harrelson is magnificent as the Captain who must also battle demons of his own while carrying out a draining and endlessly challenging task. The Messenger is a moving and important tale of survival.