Michael's Musings
THE OUTPOST
by Michael B. Druxman on 08/16/20
Here is my comments on THE OUTPOST, which I watched a day or two ago.
THE OUTPOST
Adapted from the best-selling non-fiction book, THE OUTPOST is a rugged war film, set in the Valley of the Three Mountains in Afghanistan.
The 2009 Battle of Kamdesh, as it was known, was the bloodiest American engagement of the Afghan War. Bravo Troop 3-61 CAV became one of the most decorated units of the 19-year conflict.
Directed by Rod Lurie, THE OUTPOST has many excellent action sequences and features a large talented cast.
The problem is that the cast is virtually unknown, which often makes it difficult to tell one soldier from another. Nor does the screenplay have any time fom character development.
In other war films, like THE LONGEST DAY or A BRIDGE TOO FAR, when all the key roles are played by major stars or, at least, familiar faces, knowing the names of the characters is not of major importance.
We recognize John Wayne and Robert Mitchum and Robert Redford, so they are not unfamiliar faces who can get lost in the fast-moving battle sequences.
The Blu-Ray release features audio commentary by Rod Lurie, as well as a “Behind the Scenes” documentary that includes interviews with many of the actual soldiers who fought in the 2009 battle.
NOBODY DROWNS IN MINERAL LAKE (Audio Edition)
by Michael B. Druxman on 08/06/20
BLOOD AND MONEY
by Michael B. Druxman on 07/14/20
BLOOD AND MONEY
Filmed in the snow covered, backwoods of Northern Maine, BLOOD AND MONEY centers on a dying retired veteran (Tom Berenger) who, during a hunting trip, mistakenly shoots and kills a woman who just happens to be carrying a duffle bag of stolen money that she and her four male companions had taken during a deadly casino robbery.
Trapped in the dense forest, Berenger must now outwit the four remaining bandits, who will stop at nothing, including more murders, to retrieve their pilfered loot. His advantage is that he knows the woods, and they don’t.
Directed by John Barr, the tense drama is enhanced by many magnificent winter scenes, as well as a stellar performance by Berenger in what is really an unsympathetic role. Yet, he is the “hero” of the story, so we go along with him.
The DVD from Screen Media contains a “making of” featurette that includes interviews with Berenger and others.
