"Taking Chance" (2009) starring Kevin Bacon (military movie)

[mrreindeer]

Originally Posted by IMDB.com

Based on real-life events, Lt. Col. Michael Strobl (Bacon), a volunteer military escort officer, accompanies the body of 19-year-old Marine Chance Phelps back to his hometown of Dubois, Wyoming.

This has been playing a lot lately on HBO. Evidently, HBO produced the film for direct release on their network.

And it was GREAT. Even mrsreindeer liked it, despite the somber topic.

The script was actually co-written by Lt. Col. Michael Strobl on whose experience the story is based.

Let's briefly compare this film with another recent one I watched (and have been fighting off the desire to stab myself in the heart since):

Rachel Getting Married : WORST movie ever (Oscar, really??)

So, both films are quite slow moving and cerebral yet at least 'Taking Chance' is interesting. Not to beat a dead horse but 'Rachel Getting Married' offers absolutely nothing in its 114 minutes while I found myself quite taken by the interesting & touching storyline, powerful acting and beautiful cinematography in 'Taking Chance'.

Even if you're not in the military, you should see this film.

I'm surprised it hasn't gotten more attention than it has although it is nominated for the 2009 Sundance Grand Jury Prize.

[Cigary]

Saw this myself and the difference is,,,wait for it,,,Kevin Bacon. This guy has made more good films than bad ones. In most of the interviews I have seen him doing he is a very precise and educated person who knows his craft. When he does something it's because he believes in it and not because it pays well. I think they call this kind of thing character and integrity which is in short supply amongst Hollyweird celebrities.

[mc2712]

Great movie.
And HEAR, HEAR on the celebrity comment Cigary.

[azpostal]

I enjoyed this HBO movie, the acting was very believable. I dare anyone to watch this movie and tell me that they didn't at least tear up more than a few times. Excellent work Kevin Bacon.