Are military movies hard to watch because they are poorly executed?

SGT Aaron Olivas — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 15:11:11 -0500

I feel like every-time I set down and watch a Military Movie I end up Laughing at how unreal it is and how bad of a job they did or so mad I want to throw my TV out the Window..lol Anyone else like this?

here is a list of movies that I feel got it all wrong with Military Parts (small list- but its bigger just did not feel like typing all 100,000 of them..lol)

Hurt-locker

Godzilla

Battleship

Response by SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA made Jan 27 at 2015 4:38 PM

SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 16:38:12 -0500

Funny you ask; for movies up to my generation I feel humbled, those of our generation bother me because i seems often the storyline is no longer the "man" but only the mission, a real story is often not there. American Sniper was different becasue it addressed the PTSD and what Military families need to deal with. As a tanke, I still have not watched Fury though...

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Jan 27 at 2015 5:14 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 17:14:46 -0500

I definitely feel this way. When I was just getting into the military, I would watch every military movie I could find, often multiple times. Now a long time later, I basically don't watch a single one, mostly for the reasons you described.

Most movies are so painfully unrealistic that it just frustrates me to watch. The rare ones that are realistic, hit a little too close to home.

My civilian friends don't understand why I don't get excited about these movies.

Response by CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter made Jan 27 at 2015 5:42 PM

CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 17:42:16 -0500

I don't watch them. They are either to real ,which hits to close to home or so far out there I can't enjoy it

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2015 5:45 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 17:45:52 -0500

Everytime I watch one, my wife tells me to shut up because I always point out what's wrong

Response by SPC Rich Stiltner made Jan 27 at 2015 5:48 PM

SPC Rich Stiltner — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 17:48:52 -0500

I have no problem with war movies or even video games.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jan 27 at 2015 5:57 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 17:57:10 -0500

I don't watch "war" movies. Too many friends I'll never see again.

I have no problem watching movies with a military theme though. I loved the The Last Castle (Robert Redford), and even the 2 GI Joe movies which were so absurd (from a technical) it wasn't even funny.

Response by CPL Zachariah Chitwood made Jan 27 at 2015 6:56 PM

CPL Zachariah Chitwood — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 18:56:51 -0500

Absolutely. Endless ammunition, everything explodes, apparently there are no regulations for rolling sleeves (or wearing covers, ribbons or anything else). But the #1 thing is that they NEVER capture the most important part. The brotherhood. Some have come close (Black Hawk Down, Lone Survivor), but the majority completely miss that. I also cannot stand when Hollywood goofs up on legitimate events. That really bugs the hell out of me. End of rant.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jan 27 at 2015 8:01 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 20:01:55 -0500

I've had more than my share of laughs at atomic hand grenades, men carrying mini-guns spewing seemingly endless supplies of ammunition, etc etc etc. However, I am far more offended by the frequent portrayal of American servicemen and women as miscreant goons tyrannizing civilian populations (most likely because some leftist film maker has an unrealistic opinion they want to propagandize).

I suppose I could forgive almost any and all of this if they would simply teach the actors how to salute properly...

Response by SGT Aaron Olivas made Jan 27 at 2015 8:06 PM

SGT Aaron Olivas — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 20:06:35 -0500

Yes they really need to fix that Issue. .lol

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Jan 27 at 2015 9:30 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 21:30:16 -0500

I just saw American Sniper. I can't speak to the realism of combat as I was peace time Navy. As a chaplain though, the military funerals tore me up. But then they always do. ..

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Jan 27 at 2015 9:37 PM

SFC Collin McMillion — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 21:37:23 -0500

The movie "WE WERE SOLDIERS" by Mel Gibson, brought the point to close to home. I have watched several others though that, to me at least, we're a real joke and an insult to the men and women who fought, would rather watch sience fiction, same thing.

Response by SPC Charles Griffith made Jan 28 at 2015 1:15 AM

SPC Charles Griffith — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 01:15:31 -0500

I guess I just see them for what they are ENTERTAINMENT. I have yet to see the latest crop (sniper,lone survivor,fury) but I will and when I do I will enjoy them for what they are just movies that have been adapted for entertainment purposes. Don't get me wrong I'd love for them to be more accurate but I'd also love to be the next big lotto winner, just not going to hold my breath waiting or allow it to ruin my life.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2015 1:34 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 01:34:36 -0500

Big turn off on uniform errors in movies... especially Army. Also like some mention above.. sometimes they can trigger a nerve or to.. I wouldn't call it PTSD.. but sometimes it can kinda take you back. I still have yet to find in my opinion a good Post Iraq WAR film. I thought generation kill was a good little show there for a bit. That seemed pretty real atleast. Especially with guys loosing kevlars.. and of course CSM trying to enforce grooming standards all the while invading Iraq... if thats not realism I don't know what is!! :)

Response by PO3 John Jeter made Jan 28 at 2015 1:47 AM

PO3 John Jeter — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 01:47:49 -0500

I never expect those movies to reflect real life circumstances. They aren't into the truth business. Occasionally they can catch some snippet of reality, but only for the sake of entertainment. Actually I would be unhappy if they were too realistic. I wouldn't care to see actual tactics and capabilities displayed to the world for free. If they can depict the person inside the uniform properly I'm content. Sometimes I do have to laugh at the story lines and special effects, case in point being where in "Battleship" the alien is blasted off the bow with a main gun while the hero is hanging off a hand rail a few feet away. In real life the concussion would have most likely shattered his skull, yet he's not even stunned.....Stupid? Yes! But entertaining.......

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Jan 28 at 2015 9:12 AM

Maj Chris Nelson — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 09:12:20 -0500

I try very hard to watch movies for entertainment, knowing full well that a vast majority of Hollywood has no clue (other then through OTHER movies) what the life of a military member and life in combat theaters is really like...the stress, strain, and lifelong impacts. Therefore, unless it is a REALLY BIG mistake, I generally overlook it as part of the drama and story line. In fact, it has gotten to the point that I will go see the ones that are far fetched (Battleship is a great MOVIE)....but I have problems seeing some of the new stuff as they cause tense muscles, loss of sleep, and a few days of hyper-vigilance.... My wife does not appreciate these side effects. I am quickly becoming a fan of Disney and Pixar movies!!!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2015 2:53 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 14:53:49 -0500

I don't find it hard to watch them. My wife finds it hard to watch them with me.

Response by SPC Jared Bever made Jan 28 at 2015 6:42 PM

SPC Jared Bever — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 18:42:17 -0500

It is very hard not to laugh at Hollywood soldiers and their stupid movies.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2015 8:15 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 20:15:26 -0500

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2015 11:36 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 23:36:41 -0500

I just relax and enjoy the movie unless it’s truly over the top ridiculous. I almost never pick at mistakes. I did that a lot when I was younger and I drove my friends and family nuts. No matter what the profession I’m sure Hollywood screws it up. I try not to let it destroy my enjoyment of watching movies. It is for entertainment after all.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jan 30 at 2015 12:06 AM

COL Charles Williams — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 00:06:41 -0500

Yes, Since most of us are OCD and anal, so we notice all the nuances and things are not correct... That most would never catch... Like, in American Sniper... did anyone notice that the M-1 Tank(s) was/were actually a M-60 or M-48 chasis with a VISOMOD (Mock up) on it? It was... No Skirts, and the hull of the M1 is flat on the sides beneath the skirts, not round, like the one in the movie...

Some movies, however, the dramatic parts, are hard to watch, as they stir up some not so good memories... not the technical imperfections, but rather the cold hard realities of combat.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2015 11:31 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 11:31:59 -0500

Uniform discrepancies ruin movies for me, especially ones that have to do with the Air Force and I KNOW go against AFI 36-2903. Overlooking of certain customs and courtesies... Like calling a Chief "Sergeant" make me cringe. Things like Tyreese Gibson's charater in Transformers being a TSgt in the first movie then a CMSgt in the second movie... I mean, really?

I also, coming from the IC, get a kick out of hearing someone say "I have higher than Top Secret clearance". We all know there is nothing higher than TS, just caveats.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jan 30 at 2015 12:00 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 12:00:21 -0500

Yes, I totally agree BUT I am willing to give a pass to movies like Godzilla and Battleship. The ones that ruin it for me are ones like Lone Survivor and American Sniper...I really wasn't trying to go after Seals?...throwing yourself off cliffs, or having a team snipers and holding the high ground and you are spraying rounds all over Iraq? Just the ones that automatically came to mind.

Response by SSG John Bacon made Jan 30 at 2015 12:21 PM

SSG John Bacon — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 12:21:56 -0500

I think it would be a lot easier to list the movies that got it correct or mostly correct. But to answer the question, No I don’t watch them.

Response by SSG Christopher Parrish made Jan 30 at 2015 2:33 PM

SSG Christopher Parrish — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 14:33:04 -0500

I can watch military themed movies for the most part. If there are blatant errors, like a beret worn like in France, or some lingo that we just don't use it will bug me but I try to remember that most movies are made from whack jobs who could care less about military accuracy and more about the sensational dollar they'll bring in.

Where it gets hard for me, are the more realistic ones (Lone Survivor, American Sniper, etc.) or if I have a personal tie to one, like The Hurt Locker. Hear me out before you blast that last statement. I know The Hurt Locker got a lot wrong. But a childhood friend of mine was EOD and KIA in Afghanistan 15APR02, so even though they Hollywooded up the story, it is still somewhat of a glimpse for me in to Brian's last days.

Response by Cpl Anthony Pearson made Jan 30 at 2015 3:43 PM

Cpl Anthony Pearson — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 15:43:06 -0500

Not for me personally.

Unlike other emotional movies, well-done military movies tend to move me to tears. I love seeing personal stories shared with the world. I feel we have a responsibility to watch documentaries and movies based on true stories, as well as reading the books written by those who witnessed it. We owe them that.

I believe that movies like Saving Private Ryan (fictional, I know), Unbroken (fact-based), American Sniper (fact-based), Band of Brothers (fact-based), The Pacific (fact-based), and may others, should be MANDATORY VIEWING in high-schools.

Kids should *KNOW* these stories, and the courage and sacrifice and suffering that was laid down to protect and preserve our way of life. I don't see it as indoctrinating them, but rather, opening their eyes and minds to it all. For some, it will push them far away from joining the military. For others, it will strengthen their decision to enlist.

Response by SSG George Baker made Jan 30 at 2015 3:54 PM

SSG George Baker — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 15:54:57 -0500

no, i havent been able to since my discharge in 1985 ( served 15 yrs active duty). seems like everytime i watch i scream, yell, holler or whatever you want to call it for for 3 days after feel tired and depressed

Response by SSG Sean Verrette made Jan 30 at 2015 4:05 PM

SSG Sean Verrette — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 16:05:20 -0500

Agreed but you also have to remember that there are certain things that the movies are not allowed to copy in the correct light or the wearing of the uniform or even specific accounts of things happened. It would make it illegal for that to happen as all of you know that impersonating a soldier is against UCMJ.

Response by SSG Robin Rushlo made Jan 30 at 2015 5:00 PM

SSG Robin Rushlo — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 17:00:25 -0500

I never watch any of them. Still bothers me a lot. Being blind and only hearing them gets to be a bit much. Puts me back in places I am working hard to move out of.

Response by LTC W. H. "Wally" Wallace made Jan 30 at 2015 5:26 PM

LTC W. H. "Wally" Wallace — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 17:26:52 -0500

It was for several years and in 1980 COL Hank Neil, Commandant of the Finance School, asked me to do a PD during my two week AT with them. He said Wally, I want you to use the movie Platoon to show the contrasting styles of Leadership. Until that time I had not watched a Vietnam War Movie. To prepare for the class the watching it for two times and then showing it and discussing it, got me over the hump. I can never thank him enough for assigning me to do the class. THANKS HANK NEIL!!

Response by PO3 Spencer Rushin made Jan 30 at 2015 5:27 PM

PO3 Spencer Rushin — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 17:27:06 -0500

With movies like hurt locker and movies like full metal jacket etc. You want to see and expect more reality but godzilla and transformers star wars star trac etc i have no expectation of any reality

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2015 5:28 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 17:28:57 -0500

My favorite war movies are always WWII, where either Hollywood got it better, or at least I didn't expect as much.

People wearing a beret like a French pastry chef, and people who cannot salute are my pet peeves. (I mean, what's so difficult about saluting? We manage to teach it to newbies ...)

In spite of being Army, my favorite war movie is In Harm's Way.

Also rans include Battle of Britain, Battle of the Bulge, A Bridge Too Far, Midway, Run Silent Run Deep, Twelve O'Clock High, and of course Patton.

Response by Sgt Steven Wade made Jan 30 at 2015 5:34 PM

Sgt Steven Wade — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 17:34:35 -0500

I can't watch them because I don't think they are authentic enough and due to living it. I don't feel that rush to have nightmares from the noises

Response by PO2 Joe Leamon made Jan 30 at 2015 5:46 PM

PO2 Joe Leamon — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 17:46:49 -0500

I don't think Hollywood gets military movies that much more wrong than they do movies about any other part of life: crime, romance, historical, drama--what do they ever get RIGHT?

Response by SGT Joe Larson made Jan 30 at 2015 5:50 PM

SGT Joe Larson — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 17:50:40 -0500

Movies are for entertainment. They will not film the " whole lot of hurry up and wait" followed by monument of extreme life threaten situations. It's a roller coaster ride for aloof us.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Jan 30 at 2015 5:55 PM

SGT Jim Z. — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 17:55:07 -0500

I will say it is tough watching modern war movies because of the Hollywood liberties taken. Older war movies are better in my opinion.

Response by SSG William Patton made Jan 30 at 2015 6:01 PM

SSG William Patton — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 18:01:03 -0500

I try not to make the comparison between a movie and realism, unless it is about a historical event and then I hope for accuracy. I have only seen a couple of war movies that accurately depict events or the cultural and none completely. Lets face it, Hollywood cannot accurately depict combat with even the most sophisticated technology, unless they have found a way to include the smell and real fear biting your ass when in combat. One move, Saving Private Ryan came close with the Omaha Beach landing. Another movie that was well done is an oldie, From Here to Eternity, which depicted the peace time Army prior to the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor.

Response by LT Steve Wilson made Jan 30 at 2015 6:07 PM

LT Steve Wilson — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 18:07:33 -0500

I thought Battleship was a comedy ~ you mean it and Godzilla were trying to be accurate?

The funniest one I remember was "Pearl" with all the Spruance and Knox class ships.

Response by Sgt Cortney Kangas made Jan 30 at 2015 6:13 PM

Sgt Cortney Kangas — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 18:13:07 -0500

My husband and I are both veterans. We can't watch any of them because we both sit and pick them apart.

Response by CPT Craig Church, ASLA, LEED GA made Jan 30 at 2015 6:19 PM

CPT Craig Church, ASLA, LEED GA — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 18:19:40 -0500

Them movies were dumb. Did not mind the Hurt-Lock though, well done. I try to watch some movies from a historical perspective and I cannot verify all it's realness since I was not there at the time. Those movies include; Fury, Unbroken, Saving Private Ryan, and Zero Dark Thirty. There were some things in Zero Dark Thirty that seemed a little bit far fetched but the feeling of anxiety was present. I assume a regular person who had never served in the military would feel it more, but who is paying for the movie ticket, right? It's the bottom line brother.

Response by 1SG Randy Harrison made Jan 30 at 2015 6:26 PM

1SG Randy Harrison — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 18:26:33 -0500

Being an old retired First Sergeant, on of my pet peeves are (were) uniforms. I have commented many times that you could take a brand new private right out of basic and pay him / her a small sum just to make sure the uniforms are right.

Response by SSgt Jacob Lenfestey made Jan 30 at 2015 6:29 PM

SSgt Jacob Lenfestey — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 18:29:25 -0500

All I ever do is laugh or make corrections any more, I think one of the worst things for me was in Hurt-locker when he pulls the daisy chain out of the ground with one hand, there was like 200+ pounds there, the wires would of ripped out or he would of just sat there pulling.

Response by SSG Michael Hathaway made Jan 30 at 2015 6:34 PM

SSG Michael Hathaway — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 18:34:50 -0500

The thing I force myself to keep in mind is that it's a movie. For many reasons they get things wrong from tactics to uniforms. Obviously, there are some facets they have to get wrong due to regulations, security or whatnot. I've always heard that uniforms in movies always have to have at least 3 things wrong with them, though I've never actually seen that in writing though having worked in the the interactive industry and entertainment films, I can see the validity of that assuming its for security as such we don't want to advertise the proper wear of a military uniform. After being in the military though, I find it is so easy to find online resources, open to anyone, that will depict a proper uniform.

As for tactics, environment and whatnot, of course movies will get it wrong even with an 'technical advisor' on the payroll. For one, the drama and action sequences have to be over the top to bring in the crowds to include instances of skirting the rules such as in Hurtlocker when the main character came back on base, solo, in a hoodie instead of in uniform and with a squad. We had advisors in some of the games I've worked on or tested and even those had to be dumbed down for the public or some tac-ops had to be eliminated due to the advisor stating that its too close to how the military would do it.

Even with what I said above, there are times I get frustrated at a movie because some schmuck is wearing a uniform completely wrong or doing something so asinine that it would have got him/her caught up in cuffs standing if front of his CoC. At those times, my wife will gently remind me it's just a movie and enjoy it for what it's worth, entertainment.

Response by SGT Kristin Myers made Jan 30 at 2015 6:38 PM

SGT Kristin Myers — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 18:38:10 -0500

The unrealistic movies, I am always saying, "yeah right!" or "that is so wrong!" to most things. I am always told to shut up. Haha. However, no matter the movie, whenever I see a flag draped casket, hear Taps and the 21 gun salute, I get all emotional. Especially in very realistic movies such as American Sniper.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2015 7:00 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 19:00:55 -0500

I agree with you. haha

Response by CPL David Moya made Jan 30 at 2015 7:20 PM

CPL David Moya — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 19:20:05 -0500

Some of the Fire fights, bombings, Deaths of our Young portrayed soldiers, and Funerals in the Movies bother me because I know this is happening for real

Response by SSgt Daniel Reed made Jan 30 at 2015 7:54 PM

SSgt Daniel Reed — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 19:54:53 -0500

I had no problem with military movies up until "Saving Private Ryan". The beach landing made me squirm a little. A little to real. I still think it was a great movie though.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2015 8:37 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 20:37:26 -0500

I think there is a difference between military movies that are expected to depict the military in an accurate manner and fantasy monster battle movies. With the latter, I enjoy seeing how bad the director or writers depict military. But for movies like hurt Locker, I get disappointed with that shit quickly.

I don't even know what to think about bad military dramas like Basic and The General's Daughter.

I can forgive parodies and spoofs, nothing should be taken seriously with Stripes and PVT Benjamin

Response by SGT Shawn Cushing made Jan 30 at 2015 8:46 PM

SGT Shawn Cushing — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 20:46:42 -0500

Yes, it bothers me also. Especially when rank and ribbons and tabs r worn wrong also. But wht gets me is these guys get better pay then we did and we lived the action and went though the bullshit and the lost of good people and friends. But most of all when I see a presandent salute the guards of air force 1 and the chopper 1 and he disrespect all of us and it dose not bother him.

Response by SGT Frank Oliver made Jan 30 at 2015 9:43 PM

SGT Frank Oliver — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 21:43:43 -0500

I've never experienced combat, I do enjoy watching military movies. In fact I have a large collection of them on DVDs.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2015 10:24 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 22:24:16 -0500

I've been there. I've seen all I want to see. I don't watch any war movies or read any books about war. I've got my own problems from my war in Vietnam. I'm pretty sure I've seen it all over there and don't need to be " entertained " by a figment of someone's imagination as to how it would look like to be in a war.

Response by LTC Allen Crowley made Jan 30 at 2015 10:31 PM

LTC Allen Crowley — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 22:31:36 -0500

The news never got it right, about the scuffles I was in, I don't expect the movies too. But, yeah, thoughts like, 'muzzle orientation', 'fire discipline', or 'why is nobody checking the rooftops or their six on patrol?' or just 'what the hell are thinking soldier' and the like, flash through my mind as I'm watching. Of course that is during the good ones. The bad ones I just laugh.

Response by PVT Timothy Schreck made Jan 30 at 2015 11:01 PM

PVT Timothy Schreck — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 23:01:33 -0500

What I don't get is with all the veterans who are all over the place why can they higher 1 or 2 as consultants. That way they can at least give a proper salute instead of that limp dick retarted half assed left handed shit

Response by LTC William Bridgeman made Jan 30 at 2015 11:22 PM

LTC William Bridgeman — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 23:22:37 -0500

Only when they get things wrong. Unfortunately, since it's Hollywood; that's most of the time.

Response by MAJ Monique Ruiz made Jan 31 at 2015 1:04 AM

MAJ Monique Ruiz — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 01:04:45 -0500

I like 'em. I do shake my head when I see the little things that are wrong. I couldn't stand watching Saving Private Ryan. I got so nauseous from the camera moving a lot during the first 20 mins. It took me a long time to watch the whole thing in increments. Once was good enough for me.

Response by SSG Willis Baker made Jan 31 at 2015 4:03 AM

SSG Willis Baker — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 04:03:53 -0500

I can't stand watching movies where soldiers are out of uniform or the brass is on incorrectly. If the movies are going to show the military, it should be done respectively and in good taste IAW AR-670-1.

Response by SGT Mike Ok made Jan 31 at 2015 8:31 AM

SGT Mike Ok — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 08:31:54 -0500

I prefer not to watch fairly-realistic war movies but loved Battleship or Godzilla.

Response by SPC James Rafferty made Jan 31 at 2015 9:55 AM

SPC James Rafferty — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 09:55:18 -0500

Although I agree, you all have to remember in order to portray a soldier of any rank as an actor, by law, something had to be wrong with the uniform. Either the awards, the rank, the patches, something. If it was all correct they would have to have been prior military.

Response by 1SG Patrick Sims made Jan 31 at 2015 10:25 AM

1SG Patrick Sims — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 10:25:27 -0500

For years the Hollywood crowd wasted millions making movies no one would go to see. They would re-tell the same story over and over again. The uniforms and times they took place would change, but in the end the story was always the same over worked story line.. Soldiers who disobey incompetent officers, sadistic sergeants, a main character who deserts because war crimes he participated in or witnessed and did nothing about. The main character may go home and kill himself. If they wanted to add a twist they would have him kills his whole family--- and then kill himself. That about sums up the story line of the average Hollywood masterpiece on war. Around 2002 Mel Gibson made "We Were Soldiers" After than even the liberal Hollywood types realized they couldn't afford to keep re-living their rebellious youth of the 60's. If they actually had a rebellious youth at all.

Response by SSG Russell D. made Jan 31 at 2015 11:20 AM

SSG Russell D. — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 11:20:23 -0500

I had a problem with Lone Survivor. It was so realistic, I could almost feel myself back in Jalalabad, smell it. Seeing the Taliban on film (Actors) I was so angry at them, I loudly cussed at the screen wanting to shoot all of them. Felt the pain of the seals, the exhaustion. It was a good movie for sure and made me want to go back for revenge against the Taliban. I did like Fury the WWII tank movie. Although the story did not happen, a lot of the T.C. (Tank Commanders) feelings I felt towards the enemy and his tank crew. Some movies everything is so wrong and off as in Iraq. I get pissed the uniforms, patches, language, vehicles, size of explosions etc..... all wrong and cant finish watching it because it is a joke for me to watch. But I will see American Sniper next week, I have heard it is good. Maybe see some places were I was and bring back some memories. Good and Bad.

Response by SSgt Barry LaMont made Jan 31 at 2015 11:32 AM

SSgt Barry LaMont — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 11:32:18 -0500

Oh please, Godzilla or Battleship? I'm surprised you didn't throw in Battle for LA too. All three are sci-fi movies as is Battlestar Galactica. I just finished "Fury" and found it extremely entertaining as was "Lone Survivor" and I can't wait to see "American Sniper." The more accurate the tale the more interested I am, but please don't equate fiction with non-fiction.

Response by PV2 Glen Lewis made Jan 31 at 2015 2:22 PM

PV2 Glen Lewis — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 14:22:22 -0500

Sometimes, It was the Vietnam era; I was 17 and was never deployed. I just had friends and knew others who had been . I rarely met any one who would talk about what they saw or experienced. Even so, it didn't take long to become grateful that I hadn't been.

Response by MCPO Hans Brakob made Jan 31 at 2015 2:36 PM

MCPO Hans Brakob — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 14:36:17 -0500

Unless it's a "documentary", the lack of accuracy is no big deal. Movies are entertainment, not religious instruction.

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Jan 31 at 2015 2:59 PM

SPC James Mcneil — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 14:59:16 -0500

It is for me. I'm not sure if I'll be able to watch American Sniper.

Response by SSG Everett Wilson made Jan 31 at 2015 3:48 PM

SSG Everett Wilson — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 15:48:40 -0500

No, I like looking for the mistakes they have. Like in To Hell and Back, I never been to Italy to train, while they were fighting in Italy, I realized that I had been many of the areas of the fight. I was and they were fighting at the Yakima Firing Center. That long long road where they fight in Germany/France, I drove many a time taking log packs to the my Unit at Fort Lewis.
The most recent one I saw was about a Unit from the Washington National Guard, and the patch they wore, never left the State.
While watching the movies, I see that its just a story of events that took place, most of the time they get some of the details wrong.

Response by PO1 John Meyer, CPC made Jan 31 at 2015 5:16 PM

PO1 John Meyer, CPC — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 17:16:27 -0500

While I thought Rihanna looked damn good in the NWUs.... I LOLed watching Battleship at all the things they got wrong. But then again, it IS just a movie and not a documentary.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2015 5:25 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 17:25:10 -0500

I don't get too spun over inaccuracies as long as they are not too ridiculous. I get annoyed in some flicks where they make military personnel out like a bunch of hard nose robotic DB's with some sort of psychosis. Or they always have the gruf general who is just ranting and raving like a mad man.

I tech advised for a film. Having done that provided some insights for why certain things are done a certain way. Technical inaccuracies can be the result of two things. One is that the tech adviser may have to leave in inaccuracies by design because you cant speak to them because of the confines of opsec. Two the director will generally take a dramatic licence to certain areas to spice up the movie. You have to realize that the movie has one purpose. That is to be compelling to a mass audience and sell tickets, to recoup the investment made in developing a film. It is a delicate balance to make a story real but also compelling.

The problem is and this opened my eyes a bit, is that we have the curse of knowledge on what we did in our profession. The goal is to try to sum and give the audience the big picture of what it is like to be in the role that the character is trying to portray. In some cases this results in some items being left out and some embellishments left in place. The film only has an hour and a half to two hours to tell that story. In that time you have to develop the characters so the audience can empathize with them. At the same time you have have keep the film fluid with events and circumstances that keep the audience interest up and keep the story moving.

I guess what I look at is the picture of the story. Is it plausible and is accurate enough on the large scale to overshadow myopic insurances? If so then I feel the director did his/her job. If not then it will be bomb at the box offices and will probably have other issues with the direction that will not be so compelling to the non military audience.

Not saying that there are not some real gold wrapped turds out there. But I think for the most part from what I have seen is that 80% of the mil flicks I have seen do the job well for the most part.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2015 12:26 AM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 00:26:41 -0500

Extremely hard! Especially without commenting on what I know to be inaccurate in what is being portrayed on screen

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2015 10:00 AM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 10:00:14 -0500

Hilarious! Unfortunately, movies are fiction. We're in a dilemma similar to cops, firemen, doctors, etc., go through when seeing movies about their professions. These movies and shows are popular because many Americans look up to those professions.

One thing to consider is that these also build up perceptions (good and bad) about us and our profession. As a retired "Gunny," I actually enjoy the fact that civilians have impressions of Gunny's from watching Heartbreak Ridge (absolutely inaccurate movie! LOL) and other movies. I let the civilians I work with stew in their juices. Guys are worried you'll come across the desk and girls admire.

So look at the positives and enjoy them! :)

Response by SPC Robert Torrey made Feb 2 at 2015 4:20 AM

SPC Robert Torrey — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 04:20:20 -0500

The only thing that made me more angry than "The Hurt Locker" was "The Hurt Locker" winning an Oscar, and how ignorant the general public is for thinking how they really "got that one right"

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2015 4:32 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 04:32:44 -0500

I still watch them but I'm always looking for mistakes, improper uniforms or if they put the military in a positive light.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2015 4:35 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 04:35:19 -0500

Honestly, before I watch any military movie I ask my battles if they thought it was any good. Not all movies get it wrong. Some good examples are Act of Valor, Lone Survivor and American Sniper.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2015 6:14 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 06:14:58 -0500

I remember growing up in the 70s/early 80s when all the "action movies" loved to spin about the disgruntled Vietnam vet, seeking revenge and righting wrongs, but then the newscasts loved to spin any criminal activity involving a Vietnam vet as well. I have seen a growing trend of the same kind of thing of late with OIF/OEF vets. Gotta admit thought that the biggest tick off is when they do shitty stuff to the uniforms!! That's probably where those Stolen Valor ass-hats get the ideas I have seen posted on FB!

Response by SPC John Decker made Feb 2 at 2015 4:17 PM

SPC John Decker — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 16:17:49 -0500

I have always bee a fan of military movies. Since I served, the only thing that tends to bother me about most military movies, is the fact that most of the actors don't know how to salute properly.

Response by SGT Brian Gibbs made Feb 2 at 2015 5:20 PM

SGT Brian Gibbs — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 17:20:17 -0500

I have always love war movies. Growing up my dad and I would sit and watch them together. My dad was a former Marine and he would always point out what is wrong and why they changed ranks and awards. So once I joined the military I pretty much knew what to expect. Watching war movies now have a different perspective for me. My adrenaline raises and I feel like I am there. I run through scenarios as I see them on the screen and I have yelled at the TV at soldiers for doing stupid things. But then I realize its just a movie.

Ones like the latest, American Sniper, was great to watch because it was based on a real person and it made me feel proud to be an American Veteran. But I do look at military movies differently then before I became a soldier

Response by SPC Daniel Bowen made Feb 2 at 2015 5:28 PM

SPC Daniel Bowen — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 17:28:50 -0500

Agree with you SGT Anthony Eashman, always difficult to not notice all the BS within the movies. I did that too, but then spoiling the movie for my ex, I ended up just bringing more snacks to the movie to keep my mouth shut. :D

Response by MSG Scott McBride made Feb 2 at 2015 6:08 PM

MSG Scott McBride — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 18:08:26 -0500

I sniper the hell out of military movies! Nothing drives me more crazy than watching a Hummer cruise down a road with M2 mounted and no gunner just to name one.

Response by LCpl Matt P. made Feb 2 at 2015 7:20 PM

LCpl Matt P. — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 19:20:26 -0500

For me it is a matter of perspective, the movie "hurt locker" I cant really comment on because I know nothing of EOD, the other 2 you listed were pure fantasy so I can handle being made fun of in that situation.
THAT being said, some movies, TV shows and documentaries, do present problems for me while watching, the movie "Garden of Stone" chokes me up so bad I have to leave the room or pause it, and many of the scenes from "saving Private Ryan" were equally upsetting as are many of the real footage scenes in documentaries on war.
We may be "hardened Vets", but we are still human...and humans are an emotional, varied and confusing sort of creature.

Response by SP5 Christopher O Landreneau made Feb 2 at 2015 7:49 PM

SP5 Christopher O Landreneau — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 19:49:57 -0500

Band of Brothers, Black Hawk Down, Saving Private Ryan, American Sniper & for laughs, Kellys Heroes I like.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Feb 2 at 2015 10:20 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 22:20:43 -0500

Just to pile on to what has already been posted....any kids movie made by Disney or their henchmen that depict even tangential military subtext make my skin crawl. Uniforms- worn wrong, worn 24-7, wrong uniform, mixing pieces, ill fitting. Awards and decorations - often used as wardrobe filler for non uniformed characters or worn in some train wreck configuration. What the military actually does vs what Disney has them do. Corny dialogue and buffoonery. Ridiculous Stereotypes from the 50s. Haircuts. Pacifist aversion to weapons (if you don't want kids to see weapons, don't use a military plot device), one such quasi-military junket flashed a "no real guns used" message across the bottom of the screen. Like many things, this fills the heads of our youth with more crap than we can counter with truth. The general public's parents don't know either.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2015 10:23 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 22:23:22 -0500

Dear John is a god awful movie.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2015 1:55 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 01:55:13 -0500

I have been watching this show called "helix" that is from the syfy channel. Anyways, it's an excellent show with the exception of the evil (way too young) major Ballesteros. He is supposedly an army engineer. He constantly wears his acu's with the blouse sleeves rolled up all the way to the elbows. He also keeps the collar popped and the lapel velcroed quite often. I also noticed he likes to wear the black leather combat boots with his acu's. Everything about his character irritates me. But alas, I can't physically stop watching a Ronald d. Moore produced show.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2015 2:06 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 02:06:21 -0500

Some of the movies get it wrong. But you have to realize they don't know everything about the military and are out to make a dollar. Some movies get it right and you can keep calm about the little things because the story line is so good( that lump in your throat kinda good). I am a sucker for patriotic movies and try to hold my knowledge of what is wrong away from the story line and my family because nobody likes a know it all that points every little detail out. Its a movie for relaxing and enjoying not a documentary on the military.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 3 at 2015 3:51 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 03:51:24 -0500

I've yelled at a tv screen or two in my day.......ok, maybe more.

Response by LCpl Tuwasé Griner made Feb 3 at 2015 4:58 AM

LCpl Tuwasé Griner — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 04:58:00 -0500

I agree, For the very same reasons you mentioned, and more is why I hardly ever watch them, science fiction being exempt.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2015 8:00 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:00:56 -0500

SGT Aaron Olivas when I watch a movie I try not to pay attention to those details so I can enjoy. The only thing I can't help is that I want to be there fighting too.
I.E. The Thin Red Line, Stop Lossed, etc.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Feb 3 at 2015 9:39 AM

MSG Floyd Williams — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 09:39:05 -0500

We all know that no way you can hold a M-60 Machine Gun with one hand and accurately hit a target, or standing directly behind someone who is firing a M-79 Law Anti-Tank Weapon. Hollywood or those who write the scripts given the younger generation the wrong idea about the military, some even think going through Basic Training is fun and games.

Response by SGT Beau Thomas made Feb 3 at 2015 11:51 AM

SGT Beau Thomas — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 11:51:22 -0500

I liked, "In the Army Now," with Pauly Shore, it was spot on. I like to tell people that's what Iraq was like, for a Guardsman. It was more realistic than "Hurt Locker" anyway.

Response by SFC Vernon McNabb made Feb 4 at 2015 3:32 PM

SFC Vernon McNabb — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 15:32:26 -0500

Absolutely not, I love good comedy!

Response by Sgt Ronald Scurry made Feb 5 at 2015 8:19 PM

Sgt Ronald Scurry — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 20:19:17 -0500

Unless its a documentary or some other type of nonfiction, it doesn't have to be technically correct.
Its just a movie ment to entertain the masses. (most of which have no clue of the things we verterans have a habbit of pointing out.) At the end of the day, the movie was either entertaining or not.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2015 10:21 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 22:21:45 -0500

i notice a lot of error in movies but i think it is even more severe in TV shows. my favorite show featured some soldiers and a soldier with a PFC rank that refereed to herself as a sergeant with no cover out side. slammed my head against a wall.

Response by CW2 Scott Quaife made Feb 6 at 2015 12:24 AM

CW2 Scott Quaife — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 00:24:02 -0500

You would think with a multi million dollar budget Hollywood would get most of it right. I enjoyed Lone Survivor , but almost broke the dead silence in the theater by jumping and yelling holy crap during the final battle scene with an Apache shooting mini gun rounds.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2015 9:29 AM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 09:29:52 -0500

Tears of the sun

Response by SSG Alan Prather made Feb 8 at 2015 12:19 AM

SSG Alan Prather — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 00:19:01 -0500

I usually end up ruining the movie for others watching it by pointing out how much of it is Hollywood, and how real Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, and Airmen would never act or say the stupid crap they do in movies. Plus for added fun, I critique weapons and how they use them, but generally do that with just my son.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 10:26 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 10:26:31 -0500

The uniforms always annoy me because they're almost always jacked.

Response by MSgt Manuel Diaz made Feb 13 at 2015 9:35 PM

MSgt Manuel Diaz — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 21:35:08 -0500

No it's just a movie. Kinda like the old cowboy n Indian movies, some were good some were not, mostly fiction but entertainment.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 16 at 2015 2:42 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sat, 16 May 2015 02:42:33 -0400

Tonight I watched, "The Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 1". As they landed their air craft I asked my wife or I was just thinking outloud, "When they exit the air craft, why aren't they setting up a parameter around the air craft with their muzzles pointed outward until the air craft leaves". Then I realized I am in the Army, and I am watching a move.

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 16 at 2015 2:49 AM

PO1 John Miller — Sat, 16 May 2015 02:49:04 -0400

Every. Single. Time. My wife hates watching military movies with me, because I have no brain to mouth filter. I see something wrong and I often yell out "Bullshit!" regardless if we're watching the movie at home or at a theater!

Response by SGT Kevin Brown made May 19 at 2015 12:44 PM

SGT Kevin Brown — Tue, 19 May 2015 12:44:59 -0400

I actually enjoy military movies and do find myself pointing out inconsistencies. One thing is I can watch a war movie that depicts a war older then myself (such as a Vietnam or WWII movie) any night of the week, but I have to be in a special mood to watch one that depicts Iraq or Afghanistan. Those still feel to real to me.

Response by SPC Robert Treat made May 20 at 2015 3:15 PM

SPC Robert Treat — Wed, 20 May 2015 15:15:00 -0400

I have times when I'm watching military movies, where I can't take them serious because they are so FUBAR'd.
There are other times, when the film is done really well, and it takes me back to that space and time in my life, and I just break down uncontrollably, scream, get really amped up. I then go through depression, aniexty, anger, needing to separate myself from the world and my family. It has taken my family a lot of understanding to know how to deal with my issues, but they and I have come along way. I'll never be the same, and I'll never be 100%, but I'm learning to be able to put myself in a better head space & timing.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 3:18 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 15:18:45 -0400

Only when they are poorly made.
I find myself critiquing all kinds of stuff out of place, irritating the hell of me!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 5:52 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 17:52:03 -0400

it really is hard to watch most of them. between hip firing an M-16 on full auto (It cant go auto) or really unrealistic ways of entering a room, I will usually laugh but sometimes I just walk out of the room because the producers just don't do their homework.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jun 24 at 2015 6:07 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 18:07:02 -0400

I just can't stand all of the swearing and the cussing; so I turn the TV movie off.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jul 7 at 2015 1:18 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 01:18:08 -0400

SGT Aaron Olivas, While watching "A Few Good Men" in a theatre, during the MAJ's interrogation, I was embarrassed when I shouted "Article 31" to the audience.

Response by PO2 Jeffrey Sheibels made Jul 7 at 2015 9:34 PM

PO2 Jeffrey Sheibels — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 21:34:03 -0400

Have you watched Last Ship? I think they did a good job on it.

Response by LTC W. H. "Wally" Wallace made Jul 9 at 2015 2:35 PM

LTC W. H. "Wally" Wallace — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 14:35:18 -0400

For years after returning from Vietnam I would not watch movies from the era. I was there in 1971. It was 1980 before I watched Platoon. I was worried about my response since I am PTSD. When I watched the movie I thought of how stupid it was for them to put a newbie on Point. Now I do ridicule so much of the stuff as being incorrect. It is laughable since they are suppose to have EXPERTS on the military to help them. Maybe I need to apply for a job as many veterans would do a much better job.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jul 11 at 2015 1:29 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 13:29:07 -0400

I was never in combat. I served during the Cold War.
HOW I PRAY for ALL of YOU who are fighting now; who have fought in the past and who will fight in the future.
I guess I am exceedingly naïve, and cussing and swearing come with the territory when one is in combat; and maybe they are even 'warranted'....however, that is why I turn off combat movies.
Any opinions?

Response by PO3 Shayna Stevens made Jul 11 at 2015 1:41 PM

PO3 Shayna Stevens — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 13:41:12 -0400

I love military movies. I know there are members who cannot watch military movies because they have just been through way too much. My heart goes out to those heroes.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2015 1:47 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 13:47:14 -0400

I find the unreal twist and turns are a bit much, but you have to realize they are created for entertaining the masses. At the end of the day I think most producers will sacrifice a bit of realism for a larger draw. We are part of a very small community in the military who actually notice things wrong with military movies, I try to see past the inconsistencies and enjoy them with my family.

After all who doesn't dream of keeping up foreign relations while being inverted with a Mig?

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Jul 12 at 2015 10:18 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 10:18:44 -0400

Restrepro and Korengal gave me the heebeejeebees

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2015 10:21 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 10:21:18 -0400

I let a lot of things fly in movies like "Battleship" or "Godzilla" since they are so fantasy-based. But in movies that are supposed to portray serious events in a realistic manner, like Hurt Locker was supposed to be, my bar for expectations is high and I am frequently disappointed.

And the thing about Hurt Locker in particular was that it was obvious that a lot of research had gone into little details-- for example, their details on the ACUs were accurate, but ACUs weren't issued at all during the time period of the movie. So obviously someone was working on this, but their attention to detail was not applied evenly. That's the most recent example I can think of that I saw thanks to Netflix. I'm glad I didn't pay to see that in the theater.

The biggest things I hate are the disregard for the teamwork aspects of the military. I Understand the appeal of the "lone hero" or the guy that bucks regulations to get the job done, but seriously the people that jump up and charge into battle as a lone hero are chopped into dog food in reality. To any Oscar-chasing directors out there reading this: teamwork, teamwork, teamwork.

Response by SGT Christopher Churilla made Jul 20 at 2015 3:56 PM

SGT Christopher Churilla — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 15:56:21 -0400

If it's the modern military yes, I spend more time looking for mistakes than I do watching the movie.

Response by SSgt Doug Erickson made Jul 20 at 2015 6:20 PM

SSgt Doug Erickson — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 18:20:00 -0400

I watch very few, due to the fact I spend more time critiquing the hair length or the believability of the scene!

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Jul 25 at 2015 12:25 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 12:25:35 -0400

I find myself critiquing the accuracy of some aspects of the movies. So much is so wildly inaccurate.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 27 at 2015 4:20 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 16:20:15 -0400

I love documentaries. They often expose weaknesses and strengths.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2016 1:56 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Jul 2016 13:56:54 -0400

godzilla/battleship not really millitary, good to semi good entertainment, lets move to black hawk down, saving pvt ryan, tears in the sun

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2016 2:03 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Jul 2016 14:03:28 -0400

i'll watch some of the old school stuff ww2 in harms way, the green berets, maybe even chuck norris because he kicks everybodies ass

Response by LTC Greg Henning made Jul 10 at 2016 2:04 PM

LTC Greg Henning — Sun, 10 Jul 2016 14:04:59 -0400

Some movies that portray military life in an unrealistic fashion. The little things they get wrong I guess the lack of attention to detail bothers me. I just have to remind myself this is just a movie a form of entertainment.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2016 2:25 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Jul 2016 14:25:30 -0400

msg gordon was a home boy, black hawk down

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2016 2:45 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Jul 2016 14:45:53 -0400

i dont really care how tech they are but what is the the story and its relavence

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2016 2:48 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Jul 2016 14:48:06 -0400

the first of the three you listed hurt locker why

Response by SPC Tom Maddox made Jul 10 at 2016 3:34 PM

SPC Tom Maddox — Sun, 10 Jul 2016 15:34:19 -0400

I try to take most of them for what they are, a Hollywood script with it's additions to make it exciting for civilians. Inevitably it still kicks in and I can't help myself, I have to point out the inaccuracies.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Jul 10 at 2016 9:33 PM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Sun, 10 Jul 2016 21:33:02 -0400

Yes most are really bad or not very realistic or factual. I've walked out on quite a few over the past few years. The only ones I liked were " Sands of Iwo Jima" "From Here to Eternity" "Saving Private Ryan" and " Band of Brothers".. the rest are too much Hollywood and not enough the true story. I met a Marine Pilot at a Marine Birthday Ball who told me "Ba Ba Black Sheep" was a farce and he ought to know since he flew with Papi Boyington on Guadalcanal.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Oct 2 at 2016 7:27 PM

SSG Mark Franzen — Sun, 02 Oct 2016 19:27:44 -0400

I would say that the best movies that I thought were spot on was platoon and Full metal jacket and if
I watch them I have some serious bad dreams. And is no fun.

Response by PV2 Glen Lewis made May 27 at 2017 3:45 PM

PV2 Glen Lewis — Sat, 27 May 2017 15:45:31 -0400

It isn't hard for me but then I don't have combat experience or even that much after AIT. My biggest aggravation is when they call a sergeant sir as they so often do.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2017 10:08 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 10:08:02 -0400

Hurt Locker was executed poorly because the Army said it would not take part in the filming with an advisor after reading the script.

Godzilla and Battleship - c'mon. Those aren't exactly portraying any type of reality. Battleship was barely based on the damn game like it was supposedly meant to. That one scene that was it.

Hollywood has creative license. Do you really think most people want to watch a movie that is 100% accurate of the military? Anyone remember when The Onion did Modern Warfare 3 game trailer? https://youtu.be/A5tRNs2X5Q4

THAT video is pretty accurate. Do you think anyone wants to play a game like that who isn't in? Lol no. (I love this by the way).

The only thing I've ever seen that was basically 100% accurate was Band of Brothers. I've read that there were very, very minor things that were wrong. Like 99.9% accurate probably.

World Premiere Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 News Report

Witness the world premiere of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 during a breaking news episode of The Onion - America's Finest News Source: http://www.theonion....

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2017 4:09 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 16:09:51 -0400

I have to watch the silly ones. The few that are realistic stay with me too long afterwards and I end up self medicating, again, and again.

Response by SSgt Michael Cox made Jun 27 at 2017 4:14 PM

SSgt Michael Cox — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 16:14:28 -0400

I'm not allowed to comment during any movie that has any military in it.

Response by SPC Rob Lewis made Jun 27 at 2017 4:17 PM

SPC Rob Lewis — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 16:17:05 -0400

Besides all the technical and uniform issues, Hollywood puts us in two basic categories 1. Blood thirsty killers or 2. To stupid to find a “real” job.
Both are offensive. All because modern Hollywood can’t understand the patriotism or need to serve, all of us must be “crazy”…

Response by TSgt Denise Moody made Jun 27 at 2017 7:55 PM

TSgt Denise Moody — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 19:55:55 -0400

Same thing happens with a lot of professions. My BIL won't watch anything about doctors. When my husband and I went to see Die Hard 2 we literally laughed out loud during the scenes in the ATC Tower, hubby was an Air Traffic Controller.

Response by SPC Michael Bates made Jun 27 at 2017 9:15 PM

SPC Michael Bates — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 21:15:13 -0400

A lot of times that I try to watch a military movie I get so caught up with the discrepancies and mistakes that I lose the movie. It's hard to ignore once you notice and harder not to notice.

Response by SPC Nicholas V. made Jun 27 at 2017 11:07 PM

SPC Nicholas V. — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 23:07:25 -0400

i find that some production do try. like Generation Kill (TV Mini-Series 2008)

any others you find do make the cut?

Response by SSG John Fairchild made Jun 28 at 2017 12:13 AM

SSG John Fairchild — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 00:13:38 -0400

No because I use clips from them as training aids when I was an Instructor.

Response by LTC Curtis Madsen made Jul 3 at 2017 8:30 PM

LTC Curtis Madsen — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 20:30:29 -0400

Considering that less than 1% ever serve, Hollywood can get away with producing fictional depictions of war. They get some right when they use true combat veterans i.e. Dick Winters and Hal Moore, but they do manage to slip in some cheesiness. In between the small amounts of vomit I expelled when watch BS, I try to picture what would've really happened just to keep calm.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2017 8:47 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 20:47:40 -0400

yes, but I still like them. If I want accuracy I will watch a documentary!

Response by CPO Mark Robinson made Jul 3 at 2017 10:10 PM

CPO Mark Robinson — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 22:10:09 -0400

As an old Swabbie the two movies that stood out for me were The Last Detail with Jack Nicholson and Antwone Fisher staring Derek Luke. Both the book and the movie The Last Detail seemed very real. The writer certainly did his research. There were small details that only a sailor would know. Antwone Fisher (based on a true story) showed the emotional scars that military people suffered even before enlisting. TV shows like JAG and NCIS are an absolute joke.

Response by SSG George Holtje made Jun 11 at 2020 4:28 PM

SSG George Holtje — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 16:28:16 -0400

Ok. We all rip into a poorly researched military flick. My friend knows something about everything and would tear up inconsistencies in every movie...Do the well made movies get to you in a different way? I think Blackhawk Down and We Were Soldiers tend to bring me somewhere emotionally I dont always want to go.
I prefer to laugh at the flubs most of the time.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jan 26 at 2023 3:28 PM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 15:28:49 -0500

I still like military movies, but I'm damn picky about the ones I watch. I prefer historical films and I prefer that they have some semblance of reality.
Yes, I drive my wife crazy correcting things as I watch.
I'll recommend a couple that aren't ancient, the Australian version of Hamburger Hill called "Danger Close" and the recent series "Rogue Heroes" about the founding of the SAS.