Stop-Loss: Close, But No Salute
September 8th 2008 18:33
While not usually the type of film I would gravitate towards, I found myself seeing Stop-Loss with something approaching mild anticipation. I was somewhat intrigued by the controversial plot concept, and wanted to see what Joseph Gordon-Levitt could pull out of the hat. I’d read a few decent reviews, was interested by the presence of Timothy Olyphant in a uniform, and was ultimately convinced by the front-line involvement of Aussie actress Abbie Cornish and Boys Don’t Cry director Kimberly Peirce.
For the first half of the film, I idly wondered whether I could be bothered putting my shoes back on and going off shopping instead.
I was bored, and I was distracted. Distracted by the wanky Yankee troop clichés and Ryan Phillippe’s dopey intonation as much as the home-video style cinematography. This did not appear to be a movie with a $25 million budget. And I don’t mean that in a good way.
But then something happened. An almost imperceptible turn away from that which had gone before. No, it never ‘got good’, but it did get better, thanks mostly to Abbie Cornish, who I think is really a Texan, and has only been pretending to be an Aussie in order to make this performance seem more outstanding. Cornish’s character, Michelle, travels with her best friend Brandon (Phillippe), as he attempts to illegally enter Mexico in order to escape the dictates of the stop-loss policy, which will mean getting sent back to war.
On the way, Brandon has to come to terms with what his decision will mean for his future, while he and the men he once led try not to disintegrate in the wake of their recent past.
The rest was neither here not there, neither tanking nor ranking highly – but then that’s just my humble civilian opinion.
Michaelie Clark
Ryan Phillippe as the dishonourable hero - Image courtesy of metro.co.uk
I was bored, and I was distracted. Distracted by the wanky Yankee troop clichés and Ryan Phillippe’s dopey intonation as much as the home-video style cinematography. This did not appear to be a movie with a $25 million budget. And I don’t mean that in a good way.
Soldiers return - Image courtesy of smartcine.com
True Texan Abbie Cornish - Image courtesy of timeinc.net
On the way, Brandon has to come to terms with what his decision will mean for his future, while he and the men he once led try not to disintegrate in the wake of their recent past.
The rest was neither here not there, neither tanking nor ranking highly – but then that’s just my humble civilian opinion.
Michaelie Clark
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Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
It's always a relief when something happens to make a dull film slightly more bearable isn't it? I've only had a mild interest in this one...sounds like it's not really worth the effort...
Byeee
Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
I would not have picked this one off the shelf for the same reason as you, so I am really pleased you did .. and managed to find at least one redeeming quality about it ... well enough to make it worth the $1 cheap Tuesday hire, and a couple hours to rest my legs and back.
However, I may have got it because I also really like Abbey Cornish, if I'm thinking correctly, she played a support role in A good Year?
I think she's got a lot to offer, like Johansen, but actually pretty, with talent?
Thanks again for helping me seek out something different.
Lilla ...
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I wanted to try and catch Stop Loss for much the same reason as you. Joseph Gordon Levitt, Timothy Olyphant and to see what Kimberly Pierce did with her second film after such a long hiatus.
Shame it doesn't sound like the end rsults are stellar, maybe this one will end up being a DVD screener.
Comment by The wonderful Peter Yang
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Comment by Lara M
Love Speaks
At least it got better. Otherwise, you'd be cursing for missing shopping
Comment by Cibbuano
20/20 Filmsight
Science News
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
Comment by Morgan Bell
Deep Pencil
Current Business News
Movie Train
Artist Quirk
haha that would have got me in too!
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
You're right, it's really not worth the effort. The only thing I really got from it in the end is that Abbie Cornish is still worth following, even as she delves into Hollywood. Hopefully she'll move onto something more worthy next time though, and I hope she still keeps an eye on some of the small Aussie productions like those she first made her mark in.
Thanks Trace!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
They are the only circumstances under which I would really recommend seeing it. You're right, I hated the movie, but Cornish did have a part in A Good Year. So far, her Australian stuff has been her best, in my opinion, but she has a part coming up in a remake of Wuthering Heights which I will be looking forward to, given my soft spot for the Brontes' stories.
Johanssen often runs off sensuality alone; I think Cornish has a bit more to offer than that.
Thanks Lilla!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Boys Don't Cry was much better, and I really thought Peirce would top it after so long, but unfortunately, no. There was a lot wrong with it and neither Timothy Olyphant nor Joseph Gordon Levitt were given much opportunity to showcase anything special. Olyphant's screen time was limited and the storyline Gordon Levitt was primarily involved in was...just...bad, without giving anything away. Cliched and predictable.
Let me know what you think if you get it on DVD - bear in mind you will probably disagree with me completely!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
That's as may be, but it wasn't really.
Thanks,
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Was still somewhat bitter about losing the shopping opportunity, but yes, it could have been worse! And could have been better...
Thanks!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Thanks for stopping by,
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Much promise but little reward in the end I'm afraid. He barely featured and I was very surprised, as he is quite the drawcard and really needn't have taken such a small role.
I'm sorry to say, the thrills were all too brief!
Michaelie