Ambush movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Ambush

This gritty, Vietnam movie is now available in select theaters and on digital platforms.

RATING: R

LENGTH: 1 hour 44 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: C+

IN A NUTSHELL:

The thrilling, true story of a U.S Military suicide mission through miles of enemy, Vietcong infested tunnels. American forces are trapped on the edge of no-mans-land, facing danger amid a maze of tunnels as they pursue the Vietcong far below ground before a deadly secret can be exposed.

The film was written and directed by Mark Burman with additional writing help by Johnny Lozano and Michael McClung.

It’s a perfect example of how critics hate a movie, yet audiences love it.

THINGS I LIKED:

I’ve always loved Aaron Eckhart. He has the eyes of one of my sons! Unfortunately, he’s not in the movie very much. Easy paycheck.
Jonathan Rhys Meyers can always be counted on to kick butt and give it 100%.
Connor Paolo did a great job in his role. His frightened character was believable and instantly made you root for him.
I love war movies, especially ones based on a true story because there is so much heroism.
Lots of action, shooting, and tense moments.
Great sound effects.
The timing of this film should remind the USA that we should think very carefully before jumping into another country’s war.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

The timing of this film should remind the USA that we should think very carefully before jumping into another country’s war. I’m looking at you, Ukraine.
Another problem with war movies is all of the military acronyms. I often have no idea what the characters are saying.
Some of the special effects, like explosions, don’t look very real. In that regard, the movie looks like the low-budget movie it is.
After losing several of their Special Forces team members who swore to protect a Top Secret binder, it’s hard to believe the two remaining men let it easily slip out of their hands during an ambush, right?
If our American soldiers freak out over bugs, our country is toast.
Unfortunately, a lot of the dialogue wasn’t good.
So much yelling.
The pacing races, stalls, and races again.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

This movie is not appropriate for children.
Profanity, including many F-bombs
We see a lot of soldiers get shot and killed. The camera zooms in way too long on a few kills to show us the blood and gore. Not necessary.
We see men catch on fire.
Tons of violence with a variety of weapons, as well as hand-to-hand combat

THEMES:

War
Heroism and courage
Brotherhood
Military hierarchy
Choices
Sacrifice

INTERESTING LINES:

“Victory is measured in body count.” – General (Aaron Eckhart)
“A warrior’s record is not written in books or decorated in medals. You and your men…you’re part of something deeper now. Their blood is in the earth. They live forever.” – General (Aaron Eckhart)
“I’d rather have a harda$$ giving me orders than a little buddy.” – Gates (Patrick Walker)
“The Army needs combat vets calling the shots, not bureaucrats.” – Captain Mora
“It’s just war.” – Cole (Francis Mancho)