Act of Valor

I went to see the movie Act of Valor yesterday with strict orders to write a critique.  A friend of mine is hoping to see this awesome movie at some point, but I really think she might be a little scared of its content.  She has nothing to fear!

 I do not appreciate foul language at any time (really hated to hear it in my classroom), but I do know that when men of most sorts get together, there is language flowing that could be cleaned up.  So, that being said, the language in the film lost its sting because of the action on the screen.  Would I have not said something similar if I had been in the same situation? 

Another of her possible fears might be the violence depicted in the movie.  Yes, there is violence.  BUT, those men on both the receiving and giving end of it are AMERICAN NAVY SEALS.  God alone knows what these men have seen and dealt with throughout their careers. I am so squeamish that I jump and hide my eyes when anything unexpected happens on the screen.  However, except for two places in the movie last night, my eyes were glued to the screen.  I could never shake the thought that these men on the screen were OUR DEFENDERS.  One could have reached through the screen and grabbed my coffee, and I would have asked if he wanted a burger to go with it.  We do not do enough for our men of valor.

I loved the way the SEALS were introduced during the first few minutes.  My heart went out to them and their families.  God knows the sacrifices these and others make for this country.  It brought home the danger they face daily.  Makes our daily problems with traffic and boredom seem so petty. 

I cried several times, but the memorial at the end brought the most tears.  So many young men have willingly given their lives that we might enjoy ours.  The list of names makes the heart melt. 

The directors Mike McCoy and Scott Waugh have said this is only the beginning of what they hope to bring to the screen showing the courage and strength of character our military exhibits.  I say bring it on!

It must be understood that I am patriotic through and through.  I am definitely biased!  I love this country with a passion, and I am deeply grateful to the men and women who defend it.  I grew up a military brat, so maybe that is why my heart beats the way it does.  Military is in the blood and I am certainly proud of it. To my dad and step dad, my three brothers, two uncles, son, grandson, and former students who have served and are serving, thank you from the bottom of my heart.  May God bless you each and every one, and may GOD truly BLESS AMERICA!

That being said, go see the movie...