Thank you for your service presents sobering reality for American veterans

Movie Title: 
Thank You for Your Service

Grade:   B

Rating: R, 108 minutes

In a Nutshell:   I was curious about this film, because I have proudly shouted the titled words to soldiers passing by in the airport or wherever I see them in uniform. 

As a mother of a son in the Army, this movie was sobering, frustrating, and even infuriating.

While we have seen this subject matter done before in other movies, it’s still worth reminding the American public that our vets deserve much better than they’re currently getting.  They need support when they return from war and they should not be afraid to ask for help when they desperately need it.

I taught at a local college for 5 years where I had many vets in my classes.  Some did great, but many of them really struggled and, honestly, some were messed up.  They all deserve thanks from a grateful nation, but even better, they need practical help.

Although the movie didn’t mention it, you should check out the 22 Day Pushup Challenge that raises awareness for veterans suffering with PTSD.  A friend of mine recently participated.  On Day 1, he couldn’t even do a single push-up.  He finished strong on Day 22.  The movie DID mention that 20 vets commit suicide every day.  The actual number is now 22.  It’s a sobering, real problem that deserves our public outrage and action.

I would have liked to see a call to action at the end of the movie, like a web site or phone number where we could go to have our voice heard.  Allow me to give you that call to action.   Contribute to organizations that offer support to vets.  Write to your legislators today.

Uplifting theme: 

• “You live.  That’s how you honor him.” – Amanda Doster (Amy Schumer)
• "Every day I wake up, I'm grateful." - Michael Adam Emory (Scott Haze)

Things I liked:

• It appears to be very realistic.
• I was surprised to see comedienne Amy Schumer in it, especially playing a very serious wife of a fallen soldier.  I was super impressed to learn that she donated all of the money she earned for her role in the movie to several army war vet foundations.
• The cast did a very good job and features Miles Teller, Haley Bennett, Beulah Koale, Scott Haze, Joe Cole.
• I liked the way the movie doesn't tell you exactly what happened to this unit in Iraq all at once, but fills in the puzzle pieces as the film unfolds.
• Shania Twain sings the feature song Soldier.  I've always been such a fan of her music and think she's gorgeous.

Things I didn’t like:

• Sooooo much profanity. 
• It kind of makes vets look like a bunch of rednecks.
• While the Veterans Administration does a lot of good, this film is a scathing condemnation of the ridiculous red tape that exists in the government organization that should be there for our vets.  Incompetent bureaucracy gets in the way of providing timely support.
• I felt more angry than tearful.

Interesting lines:

• “You don’t see the bomb unless they want you to.  You sense it.” – Adam Schumann (Miles Teller)
• “We’re having a baby.” – Solo (Beulah Koale)

“That’s great!  You’ll have a new unit.” –   Linda Sanders (Allison King)

Tips for parents: 

• Very bloody and gory.  People die.
• TONS of profanity, including TONS of F-bombs.
• Sex scene (clothes on) and talk of sexual acts.
• Racial slurs, including the “N” word.
• Full nudity of the back side of a lady.
• Bloody, vicious dog fight.
• Drug use and other illegal activities
• Violent war scenes
• It’s pretty depressing.

If you enjoyed this movie, you'll also like: 

The Hurt Locker

American Sniper

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice 

Max honors military dogs and families

Movie:   Max

PG, 1 hour 51 minutes

Grade:  C+

In a Nutshell:   A Malinois Belgian Shepherd gives a respectable performance as a salute to all of the dogs who have served in the military.

Uplifting Theme:

·         Dogs have been used by the U.S.  military since World War 1.

·         Over 3000 dogs have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

·         26 dogs and 25 handlers have been killed in the service of their country since 2003.  The movie tells you at the end that this film was made in their memory.

Things I liked:

·         It’s absolutely heartbreaking to watch Max sit next to the casket of his fallen trainer, Kyle.

·         The animal training in the film is extremely impressive.  Wow, how do they choreograph the fight scenes?

·         I’ve enjoyed watching Thomas Haden Church in anything ever since I first saw him in that old TV show WINGS - The Complete Series .

·         It’s a needed look at another aspect of war and what grieving families and pets go through.

·         There are a few heartfelt patriotic moments.    The patriotism is extremely sappy and could have
      been done better, but I’m a sucker for the red, white and blue.

Things I didn’t like:

·         I usually like Lauren Graham, but her fake Southern accent was terribly distracting.

·         The movie makes all Mexicans look like total gangsters.
-      Justin’s friend Chuy is a real jerk of a kid.  I wouldn’t want my sons playing with a kid like that.

Funny lines:

  “Yo, we’re cool, but we don’t talk about this.  Never.” – Chuy after he watches his buddy kiss a girl.

          

Interesting lines:

·         “A hero always tells the truth, no matter what other people think of him or what the consequences are.” – Ray Wincott

·         “You’re turning against your race!” – Chuy   (Dejon LaQuake)
-     "Mexican isn't a race, Stupid!" - Carmen

·          

Tips for Parents:

·          Children will enjoy watching the dogs, but might be frightened by the fighting.
-      Some "mild" profanity.
-     Watching the film together as a family should create a good opportunity to talk about the costs of
       war and what things are worth fighting for.