On C List of Movie Reviews
(For optimum viewing, adjust the zoom level of your browser to 125%.)
Courage Under Fire (1996)
Rate:
7
Viewed:
7/08
7/08:
After Glory was made, Edward Zwick re-teamed with Denzel Washington
seven years later for another military picture: Courage Under Fire.
Denzel Washington does a nice job, and I'll say it helped him get ready for Antwone Fisher. There are a lot
of similarities between these two.
Excellent performances are also turned in by Matt Damon and Lou Diamond Phillips. The former lost a good deal of weight for
the role which is noticeable by the thinness of his face. Now, what the hell happened to the latter? He did
La Bamba and Stand and Deliver,
and...just fell off the map. I question the casting of Meg Ryan; there's the lack
of credibility whenever I see her wearing a military uniform. She can't act anyway.
What I like is the story. It's gripping and arresting. The editing, which includes some action in Iraq, is well-done.
There's a surprising twist near the end that will start making sense. However, I did feel somewhat lost when one character
committed suicide, leaving behind something that went unresolved.
All in all, Courage Under Fire is an interesting military mystery picture.