Movie Reviews

Jarhead

Posted by Geoff on Friday, December 30, 2005 at 02:30PM | Post a Comment

I like the way that the reviewer in The Georgia Straight newspaper described Sam Mendes's new film, Jarhead: he said that, whereas most war films can also be classified as 'action movies', Jarhead is more of an 'inaction' movie.

Jake Gyllenhaal plays the real-life character of Anthony Swofford. Jarhead is based on the non-fiction book of the same name, and follows Swofford as he enters boot camp, suffers through basic military training, qualifies as Marine marksman, psyches himself up for some serious action in the Gulf (on the brink of Operation Desert Storm), and then spends his days/weeks/months waiting for something to happen. The irony, of course, is that after all of Swofford's intensive training (mostly about how to kill people), nothing much really happens. This is the 'inaction' part of this war movie, and it's really what the film is all about. The first Gulf War was by-and-large an air war, fought by fighter-pilots and army generals giving orders in the comfort of their offices. There was little if any action for foot-soldiers like Swofford and his fellow Marines, and as very competently depicted in Jarhead, it must've been a frustrating experience.

I found myself a little conflicted while watching the movie. At times, I really wanted some kind of actual 'war stuff' to happen; a gunfight, or a scene where Swofford uses his marksmanship to take out a key Iraqi installation or something (there is, however, one incredible scene in the film that approaches this sort of scenario), and when nothing did happen, it felt mildly disappointing. I then had to ask myself, is it strange that I was actually hoping for some kind of realistic, gruesome, and ultimately, sad, war-related carnage?

Ultimately, this is a movie that raises more of these kinds of questions than it answers. It's also a movie with brilliant cinematography, and excellent performances by all actors involved. Still, as good as it is, it was somehow a little unfulfilling.

Comments: 1729

#1 - Posted by Floretta Chianese on May 22, 2011 5:23 PM:

You might have never heard of the Xtreme Profit Robot but I just have to tell you that if you need to make some money, now is a great time to get this truly magical software. This is a money sucking piece of software that was sold at some recent seminars for more than $2,000. Since it has now gone mainstream, you can get in for just $49 and start drawing massive amount of traffic to your website. Start getting unique visitors from 54 different sources and start capitalizing and montizing your traffic right away. All you have to do is set up the software and then let it do the magic, 24 hours a day. You can wake up in the morning and check your accounts to see how much money you made while you were sleeping. Take a look at the video presentation and get ready to be shocked. -> http://cash411.info/go/228

#2 - Posted by Woodrow Gomm on June 7, 2011 12:47 AM:

Unfortunately, there is something that I notice that needs to be pointed out. It's something that you might be missing. How many of you currently make any money online? Making money on the Internet is all about writing and getting noticed and then monetizing the content that you create. It's never too late to get started in Internet marketing and if you are already dabbling in the business, it's not too late to start becoming successful at it. All you really need is The Free Money Formula. Even if you have never heard of press releases, article and marketing or podcasts, you soon will if you use this software. Two hours of coaching are included with the software. So if you are brand new to this, you can grab all the details in the step by step video presentations or if you are already well on your way to being a successful Internet marketer, you can skim through all of that and get right to the 2 very well-rounded pieces of software that come with this package. The 2 pieces of software that you'll get are article marketing submission & rewriting software, and video submission software that will bring lots of traffic if used correctly. This could be the break that you have been waiting for. Go ahead and check it out: http://cash411.info/go/to/201

#3 - Posted by Oolong Tea on June 21, 2011 7:28 PM:

Hello, I was wandering around online and I found your homepage from google. I read a few of your articles and think they are really good. Thank you, I'll try to come back to your homepage again soon.

#4 - Posted by Benton Jeffs on June 23, 2011 5:13 AM:

I really liked reading your post!. Quallity content. With such a valuable blog i believe you deserve to be ranking even higher in the search engines :)

#5 - Posted by Courtney Krumrine on June 23, 2011 9:36 AM:

I love how people are so ready to blame Ben for everything that goes wrong with out offense yet no one seems to notice that our running game if awful.

#6 - Posted by UGG Boots for Cheap on June 24, 2011 9:06 PM:

Thanks for the article. I thought it was interesting.

#7 - Posted by Buy Neopoints on June 25, 2011 12:51 PM:

Oh hey I wanted to take the time to say I really like reading your blog!

#8 - Posted by Aorta lifecycle Model on June 25, 2011 4:55 PM:

Great help from this blog! Thanks alot for the information I needed

#9 - Posted by indian hair los angeles on June 25, 2011 11:06 PM:

INDIAN HAIR ONLY $25 PER OUNCE, CONTACT US TODAY

#10 - Posted by wonderlic test questions on July 1, 2011 3:15 PM:

Do you have twitter? Great stuff by the way...

#11 - Posted by Micaela Radie on July 1, 2011 4:30 PM:

Hes a trail blazer for the safe tanning association.

#12 - Posted by bingo online games on July 4, 2011 12:27 PM:

Not sure if it is only a problem with my internet browser, Camino installation, or with this page but this whole post loads all muddled up. Think I'll load another browser & check if that fixes it.

#13 - Posted by bicycle maintenance on July 5, 2011 5:55 PM:

Thanks for the article! Just browsing around online I get into some cool stuff. Anyways, back to school work...

#14 - Posted by breathable bumper on July 6, 2011 4:00 AM:

Exceptional blog post, the majority of the material was quite helpful.

#15 - Posted by Setsuko Popkin on July 6, 2011 11:59 PM:

Fantastic article together with convenient that will understand explanation. How do That i set about gaining permission that will put up part within the article in doing my coming bulletin? Giving good credit ranking to your any author together with link into the web page would not manifest as a challenge.

#16 - Posted by golden key method on July 12, 2011 3:17 AM:

I enjoy you because of all your efforts on this site. Kate takes pleasure in getting into research and it is easy to see why. My spouse and i know all of the powerful method you present insightful guides by means of your web blog and even boost response from some other people on this situation while our favorite princess is truly becoming educated a whole lot. Take advantage of the remaining portion of the new year. You are performing a stunning job.

#17 - Posted by rosetta stone on July 12, 2011 4:16 PM:

Many religious rosetta stone for sale faiths to church attendance describe to rosetta stone for sale et to admit diplomatic missions (season). ...

#18 - Posted by student loans no cosigner on July 20, 2011 9:08 AM:

Cool, so that's how people know how to do this. Good info and writeup by the way.

#19 - Posted by Cheap Beats by Dre on July 20, 2011 9:32 PM:

Can you thoughts if I quote a handful of your posts so long as I provide credit and sources back to your blog? My own website is incorporated in the identical market because yours and also my own visitors would certainly really reap the benefits of some of the information a person current the following. You should let me know if this type of at ease with you. Many thanks!

#20 - Posted by Rap Beat on July 26, 2011 2:35 PM:

thanks !! very helpful post!

#21 - Posted by designer Nur Majan watches on July 28, 2011 1:35 AM:

Your site has a strong visual impact and color information, the language is brief and it is easy for info has a quick disseminates, l like this style, thanks for great work

#22 - Posted by xjsifmqoby on July 29, 2011 10:16 PM:

zogjyfvmubtllozbwfah, zrlggwynli

#23 - Posted by xjsifmqoby on July 29, 2011 10:17 PM:

zogjyfvmubtllozbwfah, zrlggwynli

#24 - Posted by xjsifmqoby on July 29, 2011 10:18 PM:

zogjyfvmubtllozbwfah, zrlggwynli

#25 - Posted by taylor on August 2, 2011 12:47 PM:

hey there, just a quick one, is your theme custom made? I only ask I'm looking for something similar but I cant find one, can you please tell me where you got it from? thankyou, Jen

#26 - Posted by Shanita Whitlingum on August 12, 2011 6:42 AM:

Remarkable guide as well as convenient in order to figure out description. Exactly how can We start gaining authorization in order to put up element from the document during my coming bulletin? Providing good credit score for you the actual article writer as well as website towards the websites wouldn't be considered a challenge.

#27 - Posted by online bingo games on August 12, 2011 8:24 AM:

Unsure whether it's just an problem with my browser, Seamonkey installation, or with this post because the whole article loads all messed up. Think I'll install another browser and see whether that fixes it. Janie Kimberly from Bikaner

#28 - Posted by how to lose weight fast on August 12, 2011 2:57 PM:

Extremely fascinating post thank you for sharing I just added your site to my bookmarks and will probably be back. By the way this is off topic but I really like your blogs layout.

#29 - Posted by Buddy Gallien on August 18, 2011 4:30 AM:

Good piece of writing in addition to simple to help fully understand story. How do When i try obtaining agreement to help publish component on the page around my approaching e-newsletter? Offering correct credit ratings to your account this source in addition to weblink towards webpage will not become a dilemma.

#30 - Posted by fishing calc on August 18, 2011 6:02 AM:

There are certainly a number of particulars like that to take into consideration. That is a nice point to convey up. I offer the thoughts above as general inspiration however clearly there are questions just like the one you bring up the place a very powerful thing will be working in trustworthy good faith. I don?t know if best practices have emerged round things like that, however I am certain that your job is clearly identified as a fair game. Each girls and boys feel the impact of only a moment’s pleasure, for the remainder of their lives.

#31 - Posted by Evan Barredo on August 26, 2011 7:04 PM:

Great ?V I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your website. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs as well as related info ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, website theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Excellent task..

#32 - Posted by ufc dvd on August 30, 2011 12:39 AM:

Your website has really inspired me to totally change the way I run my site. I really appreciate your great work.

#33 - Posted by Felix Grandi on September 3, 2011 10:53 AM:

hello!,I like your writing so much! proportion we keep in touch more about your article on AOL? I require a specialist on this area to solve my problem. Maybe that is you! Having a look ahead to see you.

#34 - Posted by Lawerence Olton on September 3, 2011 11:06 AM:

Thanks for sharing excellent informations. Your web site is very cool. I am impressed by the details that you have on this blog. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for more articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found just the info I already searched all over the place and simply couldn't come across. What a perfect website.

#35 - Posted by Efrain Stidstone on September 5, 2011 9:05 PM:

As I web-site possessor I believe the content matter here is rattling magnificent , appreciate it for your efforts. You should keep it up forever! Best of luck.

#36 - Posted by Foster Elway on September 5, 2011 10:10 PM:

Hello there, I discovered your site via Google even as looking for a comparable matter, your site got here up, it seems to be great. I've bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

#37 - Posted by real estate Lewes de on September 8, 2011 3:20 AM:

Virginia, I hope and pray that youve been reading the other posts regarding your comments This healthcare bill is another step closer to Socialism, and the Chicago Politics by this Administration .. Do you wonder why Rohm Immanuel is taking the Blue Dog Democrats to the woodshed for an arm-breaking meeting? Many of the Democrats are not onboard this plan, and they are looking out for themselves in the 2010 elections .. Americans are rising up against this bill and Congress!! Any Politician who votes FOR this bill, will pay a price at the polls next year! Hopefully you watch TV and see how upset Americans are .. and they are NOT Manufactued, Astroturf citizens Were from all over the Country .. How can so many Patriotic Americans be so upset over this bill, you ask ? Because its akin to patient dumping . We will be told how to manage our healthcare by the Govt., instead of our Doctors and what treatments the Govt. will pay for .. So, if you need a hip replacement when youre 85, youre too old, and pain pills will be your only choice . You will be old one day, and I hope you realize now what it could mean to YOU, as you age Your vote for this bill will affect everyone in YOUR family as well from your ageing parents to a child born with a birth defect .. The Govt will decide who can live and who wont its just that simple Whatever decision you make, make it an informed, educated one As I said in an earlier post, I dont have health insurance for myself .. but this plan would NOT be a public option for me

#38 - Posted by Merrill Zam on September 14, 2011 2:01 AM:

Rather good posting. I just stumbled upon the webpage and also wanted to be able to point out in which I have actually enjoyed analyzing the blog page and also content. Anyway I’ll become subscribing the nourish and also My partner and i expect to be able to read the blog page all over again.

#39 - Posted by Link Building Services on September 14, 2011 2:25 AM:

You have a great website! I would love to build backlinks for you.

#40 - Posted by Santo Macchione on September 15, 2011 12:29 AM:

Outstanding piece of writing not to mention very easy towards understand story. How do I just do receiving agreement towards submit part of this article with my future news letter? Offering suitable consumer credit rating back to you typically the source not to mention weblink in the web site will not be considered trouble.

#41 - Posted by Giter on September 16, 2011 2:38 AM:

Generally on fridays don't have plenty to do , not after 11 , so I'm browsing internet. Like very much the sites created with movable , specially the appearance. Nice theme!

#42 - Posted by Oscar Dody on September 16, 2011 8:03 AM:

It’s a shame you don’t have a give money press button! I’d definitely give money for this outstanding website! I think for now i’ll acknowledge bookmarking and adding your Feed to my Google account. I look ahead to fresh messages and will promote this blog with my Facebook team:

#43 - Posted by Fake Gucci Belt on September 16, 2011 5:24 PM:

wonderful post. Really enjoyed reading your blog posts.

#44 - Posted by free online games for children on September 17, 2011 5:41 PM:

Great blog here! Also your web site loads up very fast! What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my site loaded up as quickly as yours. Kind regards and keep posting things like in Captains of the World! - Jarhead.

#45 - Posted by ladies evening dresses on September 18, 2011 12:11 PM:

I love it,Superb Post.I am Establish to put this into use one of these Day times.Thank you for sharing this.To Your Success!

#46 - Posted by rozliczania pit on September 19, 2011 6:50 PM:

Getting a new computer. Can't seem to get my bookmarks out of firefox. Need this information TONIGHT. Have to give the computer to it's new owner tomorrow morning. Is there anyway I can save the bookmarks within an firefox account online so that when I download firefox on the new computer they will be there?? PLEASE HELP. Thanx..

#47 - Posted by pit-28 on September 19, 2011 7:11 PM:

I'm new to blogspot and I'm having a difficult time. How can I change the background to a picture I want?.

#48 - Posted by program do pit on September 19, 2011 7:29 PM:

I know of blog starting websites like web and wetpaint, but I hear google has a program that helps people do blogs. Does anyone know the name of the program? If not, any one know some good blogging websites?.

#49 - Posted by Edris Hemp on September 20, 2011 6:44 AM:

Excellent piece of writing and easy to realize story. How do I go about getting agreement to post element of the content in my upcoming newsletter? Offering proper credit to you the source and weblink to the site will not be a problem.

#50 - Posted by happyday67 on September 20, 2011 11:54 AM:

You are a very clever person!

#51 - Posted by Middleton on September 20, 2011 10:35 PM:

Can you tell me how I can add your weblog to my news reader. your help are appreciated I want to access your articles.

#52 - Posted by Judy Whitker on September 21, 2011 6:20 AM:

Terrific report and also quick to be able to realize explanation. How do My partner and i begin acquiring permission to be able to place element with the content within my new newssheet? Giving right credit rating for your requirements the particular article author and also hyperlink for the online site would not be described as a concern.

#53 - Posted by pit 39 on September 26, 2011 3:23 PM:

Where can I find the best online creative writing courses?

#54 - Posted by pit-38 on September 26, 2011 3:42 PM:

What is the best website to start a blog on?

#55 - Posted by pity program on September 26, 2011 4:01 PM:

I was planning on starting the guide with wordpress..

#56 - Posted by Winford Zank on September 27, 2011 12:33 PM:

naturally like your web-site but you have to test the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very troublesome to tell the reality on the other hand I will definitely come again again.

#57 - Posted by Shaina Delgrande on September 28, 2011 4:59 AM:

A person essentially assist to make seriously articles I might state. That is the very first time I frequented your web page and up to now? I surprised with the analysis you made to create this actual publish extraordinary. Fantastic task!

#58 - Posted by Hung Mula on September 29, 2011 2:59 AM:

I have been surfing online greater than 3 hours as of late, yet I never discovered any interesting article like yours. It is beautiful worth enough for me. In my view, if all webmasters and bloggers made excellent content as you did, the web shall be a lot more useful than ever before.

#59 - Posted by Charlsie Kepler on October 2, 2011 8:40 PM:

[...] the opponent wouldn't score on the next drive. Professor David Romer, author of one of the definitive papers on the subject, theorized that coaches are worried more about job security than winning. If a coach [...]

#60 - Posted by long island screen printing on October 5, 2011 7:40 PM:

Thanks Anto... hehehe... kamu itu lho... cah pinter dagang... ono rame2 malah dagang bakso eh banner... ntar kupasang di blogku ben payuuu 10 % yooo....

#61 - Posted by farmville-secrets on October 11, 2011 3:37 PM:

I love 2 read captainsoftheworld.com !
farmville hack

#62 - Posted by bodybuilding-supplements on October 13, 2011 4:21 PM:

I see a lot of quality articles in captainsoftheworld.com !
bodybuilding supplements

#63 - Posted by make-money-online on October 15, 2011 12:34 AM:

I see a lot of quality posts in captainsoftheworld.com !
how to make money online

#64 - Posted by software for cell phone spying on October 18, 2011 10:46 PM:

Valuable info. Lucky me I found your website by accident, and I am shocked why this accident did not happened earlier! I bookmarked it.

#65 - Posted by no download Scratch Cards on October 23, 2011 5:25 AM:

Whenever items proceed badly drastically wrong for one's land, along with typically the situation with regards to the U . s ., what is basically needed is trust and anticipation, not really rage and give up hope. There is a lack in the the first kind along with a glut of the last mentioned inside the afflicted land. The gap within mind-set involving Clinton in addition to Obama in response to the dilemma tells us most that we need to learn regarding the 2 presidents

#66 - Posted by ways-to-make-money on October 23, 2011 2:55 PM:

You should update captainsoftheworld.com more often, but i love it!
ways to make money

#67 - Posted by cruises from baltimore on October 24, 2011 7:53 AM:

Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a bit, but other than that, this is fantastic blog. A fantastic read. I'll definitely be back.

#68 - Posted by Xavier Neemann on October 25, 2011 7:58 AM:

Remarkable guide as well as convenient in order to comprehend description. Exactly how can We start gaining authorization in order to put up part from the guide during my coming bulletin? Providing good credit score for you the actual article writer as well as website towards the websites wouldn't be considered a challenge.

#69 - Posted by Guadalupe Widgeon on October 26, 2011 10:39 AM:

It’s a good shame you don’t contain a give money button! I’d definitely give money for this fantastic webpage! That i suppose for the time being i’ll be satisfied bookmarking together with including an individual's Feed that will my best Msn balance. That i appearance forward that will recent messages and definitely will share the web site utilizing my best Facebook or twitter team:

#70 - Posted by ipad-2-giveaway on October 27, 2011 11:02 AM:

I love captainsoftheworld.com dude!
ipad giveaway

#71 - Posted by Yesenia on October 28, 2011 12:46 AM:

Hello guys, wonderful web page, particularly rich in content and appropriately carefully thought out, personally I found here substantially interesting and useful

#72 - Posted by iPhone4S-for-free on October 29, 2011 1:44 AM:

I like captainsoftheworld.com dude!
iphone 4s giveaway

#73 - Posted by youtube-software on October 29, 2011 11:51 PM:

I love to come back to captainsoftheworld.com everyday
youtube software

#74 - Posted by xbox-360-giveway on November 1, 2011 6:14 AM:

That's why i have bookmarked captainsoftheworld.com
xbox 360 giveaway

#75 - Posted by ps-giveaway on November 2, 2011 4:35 PM:

You put a lot of work in captainsoftheworld.com , i like it!
ps3 giveaway

#76 - Posted by Horacio Theo on November 3, 2011 8:48 AM:

Document extremely like genital herpes virus treatments place here. Highly useful and additionally smart. Just one dilemma however. I’m operating Chrome by means of Debian and additionally elements on your present style creations are really a smaller wonky. Document understand it’s truly regular created. However it’s a specific thing to make sure you preserve in mind. Document hope that hot weather will certainly benefit and additionally continue to keep up the top superior quality making.

#77 - Posted by earn-money-online on November 4, 2011 10:37 AM:

I see a lot of good threads in captainsoftheworld.com !
earn money online

#78 - Posted by playstation-giveaway on November 5, 2011 10:17 AM:

You put a lot of work in captainsoftheworld.com , i love it!
playstation 3 giveaway

#79 - Posted by tistwudzyb on November 9, 2011 7:33 AM:

jrebudbqubjotpguifxpsme, xkepceeogk

#80 - Posted by tistwudzyb on November 9, 2011 7:33 AM:

jrebudbqubjotpguifxpsme, xkepceeogk

#81 - Posted by tistwudzyb on November 9, 2011 7:33 AM:

jrebudbqubjotpguifxpsme, xkepceeogk

#82 - Posted by tistwudzyb on November 9, 2011 7:33 AM:

jrebudbqubjotpguifxpsme, xkepceeogk

#83 - Posted by tistwudzyb on November 9, 2011 7:33 AM:

jrebudbqubjotpguifxpsme, xkepceeogk

#84 - Posted by nintendo-3DS on November 9, 2011 11:43 AM:

I love captainsoftheworld.com !!!
nintendo 3DS

#85 - Posted by ugg boots sale on November 11, 2011 8:56 PM:

It?s actually a nice and useful piece of information. I?m happy that you just shared this useful information with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

#86 - Posted by macbook-air on November 12, 2011 2:49 AM:

My fovorite site is captainsoftheworld.com !
macbook air giveaway

#87 - Posted by pit-28 on November 12, 2011 2:55 PM:

Should I submit a writing portfolio to Columbia University if I plan on being a creative writing major?

#88 - Posted by pit36l on November 12, 2011 9:17 PM:

How do I import Firefox bookmarks and other settings from one user account to another?

#89 - Posted by droid-razr-giveaway on November 13, 2011 3:48 AM:

Lot of quality content i see on captainsoftheworld.com
motorola droid razr giveaway

#90 - Posted by pudzianowski-thompson on November 14, 2011 5:34 AM:

captainsoftheworld.com is cool
pudzianowski thompson zakłady bukmacherskie

#91 - Posted by Stanford Mccarvill on November 14, 2011 8:49 AM:

Pretty wonderful content. That i really stumbled upon your blog page together with imagined to say that have seriously enjoyed reading your weblog items. In any case I’ll get subscribing towards your posts together with I hope everyone put up once soon.

#92 - Posted by ugg boots sale on November 14, 2011 11:33 AM:

Hello my family member! I want to say that this article is amazing, great written and include approximately all important infos. I'd like to peer extra posts like this .

#93 - Posted by libertyreserve on November 16, 2011 1:12 AM:

I'll gear this review to two different types of people: current Zune owners that are considering upgrading, and folks seeking to decide from a Zune with an iPod. (There are more players worth looking at in existence, just like the Sony Walkman X, however hope this gives you sufficient info to make the best decision of your Zune vs players apart from the iPod line at the same time.)

#94 - Posted by hyip monitor on November 16, 2011 3:01 AM:

The device watches test. Online casino complains next to the ambient kid. Online casino tastes test past a librarian. Your damage defects. Online casino kids behind the ditch. Throughout my leather finishes a snag.

#95 - Posted by ugg boot classic tall on November 16, 2011 5:25 AM:

She appeared at her boyfriend, he all of a sudden feel so strange, the arm is tightened ugg knightsbridge boots selling over a throbbing pain is significantly a smaller amount than the inner brew storms on rivers and seas. Clear marble ground, two reflection held, like the two sculptures.

#96 - Posted by samsung-epic-4g on November 16, 2011 5:05 PM:

I read captainsoftheworld.com everyday
Samsung Epic 4G

#97 - Posted by htc-thunderbolt on November 17, 2011 4:16 AM:

I love to read captainsoftheworld.com everyday
htc thunderbolt

#98 - Posted by bodybuilding-supplements on November 17, 2011 3:29 PM:

Why i didn't find captainsoftheworld.com earlier, i love this www
bodybuilding supplements

#99 - Posted by Quintin Beermann on November 18, 2011 2:14 AM:

This is certainly these types of an incredible contraption the fact that you can be offering also, you supply it all away meant for free. That i appreciate experiencing internet websites the fact that understand any value for providing a good quality resource meant for totally free. Itâ€™s any old what around will come around schedule ..

#100 - Posted by esrvtvzutd on November 26, 2011 7:46 AM: