Taking Chance
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Movie Reviews of Taking Chance
Movie Review: AN INSPIRING & MOVING FILM!
Summary: 5 Stars
An amazing film with an equally amazing film score ..this may seem like unmeaning hype but watch it and then disagree! I came to hear of this documentary while reading about the Marine Corps and decided to download the movie to my ipod. I have since bought the DVD as gifts and think it is probably one of the most moving performances ever. Understated, crystallizing the greatest values of America: empathy, patriotism and a sense of duty. The IPOD download (from the apple store) did not come with the special features and so the DVD is a better buy. I have watched and rewatched this movie and come away teary eyed each time. Kudos to HBO, Kevin Bacon, Marcelo Zarvos and the entire cast and crew! To Lt. Col. Strobl: thank you for documenting with such clarity, thoughtfulness and insight what happens to our fallen, for posterity. To the Phelps': thank you from a grateful family.
Synopsis (from Apple):
In 2004, Lt. Col. Michael Strobl volunteered to escort home the body of a 19-year-old Marine killed in Iraq. It would prove to be a life-altering experience. Kevin Bacon stars as Strobl in this profoundly moving HBO Films drama that looks at the military rituals for honoring its war dead from the perspective of one fallen soldier named Chance Phelps. Strobl never knew Phelps before taking the assignment, but as he journeys across America, he discovers the great diligence and dignity in how the military handle such dark duties--and comes to grips with his own issues of guilt when he meets Chance's gracious family and friends. Directed by Ross Katz; screenplay by Lt. Col. Michael R. Strobl, USMC (ret.) and Ross Katz, based on the journal by Lt. Col. Michael R. Strobl, USMC (ret.)
Movie Review: A Great Chance
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a great moving story, now is the private story of the Phelps family because they lost their son Private First Class Chance Phelps. Mr. Kevin Bacon deserves kudos for the respect and dignity he has afforded the service and memory of a fallen hero by portraying the solemn duty of a Casualty Assistant Officer.
All casualty assistant Officers and NCOs (Non Commissioned Officers) are any military family's worse nightmare, because from the moment a Soldier deploys to the battlefield everyone involved (even the ones at the home front) knows death is can be just around the corner. The sad reality is that from the moment their duty begins with the assignment of family notification or the actual escort of the remains, the task at hand can be more scarring than actual combat. Knocking on a strangers door to tell the love ones of a Soldier that he is dead, (one can try to explain it sugar coated by using words like: Made the ultimate sacrifice, Patriotic and Line of Duty) has to be the cruelest and ironically the most honorable job in the world.
I served two tours in Iraq and one during the first wave in Bosnia, I how it feels to loose a battle buddy, how it feels to cry yourself to sleep at night, mask the pain with alcohol in a futile intent to forget or the endless self questioning of why I am alive and she is not. I just hope that the next time Mr. Kevin Bacon and / or the producers of this excellent movie buy themselves a brand new Bentley is not with the profits obtained from the tragic loss of someone's daughter, someone's father or someone's son. R.I.P. Private First Class Chance Phelps, United States Marine Corps.
Movie Review: Bacon's best
Summary: 5 Stars
A simple story so movingly told. The story is about U.S.Marine Michael Strobl (Kevin Bacon) who escorts the last remains of Private First Class Chance Phelps from the mortuary at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware to his home in Wyoming, which also happens to be Strobl's hometown. The movie starts with a black screen and the only audible sound is the radio chatter. This is the death scene of Chance Phelps. The story takes us on a journey through The story takes the viewer into some seldom-seen corners of America -- from airport cargo facilities to the mountain highways of Wyoming -- and shows everywhere the reverence for the fallen. When the escort gives Phelps' watch, dog tags, and wooden cross to his parents, eight days after his death, even men will feel the tears coming. Finally, as Lt Col Strobl (who had not yet been to Operation Iraqi Freedom when he accompanied Phelps' remains home) thinks over the experience, there's a meditation on where duty lies for a Marine Corps officer. Along trip to the destination, Bacon encounters American soul everywhere. From the ticket agent who upgrades him to first class, the cargo handlers who have seen all kinds of cargo, the airline pilot and to the traffic on the street. These scenes are so outstanding in their emotional depth that it would be impossible to feel unmoved. This movie is the result of the meticulous reports that Army escorts are supposed to keep so that their knowledge is useful for future escorts. Strobl volunteers to be an escort because he feels that it is his patriotic duty as he cannot stay on the sidelines while others are fighting. Consider this movie now 5 stars 111809Movie Review: One of the best-made movies ever created
Summary: 5 Stars
I won't speak to the storyline of the movie, as so many others have done so more eloquently than I could, but this is simply one of the best-made movies that you could ever watch.
The story itself is deeply moving and profound, but what really makes this film, is the obvious care and deep respect that the creators took when conveying the story. It's very evident that everyone involved in this film was showing our fallen heroes their own respect and gratitude. The cinematography, music, acting and simply every aspect of this film is a profound "thank you" to all of the service men and their families, who have made such a huge sacrifice.
Appropriately so, there is little dialog in this movie. Yet, the emotion that is portrayed is incredibly powerful and deeply moving. Although I always considered Kevin Bacon an excellent actor, his performance was so perfect that an Oscar would not be adequate recognition for his efforts. Mr. Bacon shows the level of acting that can only come from a place of intense care and respect for the subject matter, and I cannot think of another acting performance by anyone, that has more impact. In fact, all of the actors did an incredible job and should be commended.
I don't think I've ever run across a movie that so eloquently deals with the incredible sacrifices our service men and their families make. No politics, no agenda, no over-dramatizations and obsession with box office dollars. Just a beautiful story told with honor and dignity. This movie should be seen by everyone, but be prepared, you will need a very large box of Kleenex.
Movie Review: Every American Should See!!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Last week the announcements were made for the Emmy nominations. This movie is up for Best Movie on T. V. and Kevin Bacon is up for Best Actor. It should have been nominated for so many more things because it is such a perfect movie-everything about it- the way it was done, what it says, what it doesn't say, what it shows, and what it doesn't show. I have not lost anyone close to me in a war but I feel this movie made me feel every raw and honest emotion there is to feel as the loved ones of the fallen go through this whole process. It seems we are not teaching the next generation much about the respect and honor of loving and serving America as in years ago. Whether we agree with a war or not should not decide if we honor those who are fighting in it. These men and women are defending our beautiful America, it is something birthed in their hearts and we should not take it lightly or for granted. This movie shows this, that is why I say every American should see this movie. It does not show the gore it surely could and that is so respectful towards those that have lost anyone in a war. It does not take a stand of any kind regarding if we should be involved in war, only that those fighting must be shown the respect and honor due to them and their families. There is so much more to be said about this movie-truely one of a kind and a GREAT!!! Please pass the word on and even the movie so more can feel this and see it. Thank you to every person that had anything to do with the making of this movie and of course I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Kevin Bacon-great job!!