12 STRONG

12 STRONG PATRIOTIC

Film Review by FIORE

It’s exceptionally early in the year, yet we already have a film that could be considered one of the year’s finest.  Unfortunately, because it is a film imbued with American patriotism, draws Muslim Arabs as enemies of America and does not feature any women warriors, the movie, 12 STRONG is likely to be ignored by the Hollywood Looney Liberal Left (H3L) and the condescending critics from the two letter cities.  As always, ignore these posers, follow my advice and catch 12 STRONG in the theatres for the big screen experience. 

 

The time is just after the attack on the Twin Towers in New York City by Muslim terrorists.  A special ops team of Green Berets is dispatched to Afghanistan to commence America’s counterattack.  A dozen men are charged with the suicidal task of cutting off Taliban supply lines and freeing a town stronghold.

The acting in 12 STRONG is formidable.  Chris Hemsworth is Captain Mitch Nelson, the strategically exceptional, yet combat inexperienced leader of the group.  Hemsworth is heterogenous, as he does not have to depend on a self-assuredness so commonplace with his portrayal of Thor.  His evolution to one with “killer eyes” is dramatic, while his return to his family is poignant without being overly syrupy.  

Making up part of the squad are Michael Shannon, as Hal Spencer and Michael Pena, as Sam Diller.  I have never seen these two actors deliver a bad performance.  They are consistently underrated in Hollywood circles.  Their talent and abilities are exceptional, and they deliver the same level of excellence here.  Also providing a robust portrayal is Navid Negahban as General Dostum, one of the leaders of the Northern Alliance.

Written by Ted Tally and Peter Craig, 12 STRONG outlines all the principles that make America great including a passionate love of country and family.  Director Nicolai Fuglsig begins the film on a slow, but steady pace and then unleashes the dogs of war once the troop enters the supply line’s narrow alley.  

The screenplay is based on the book “Horse Soldiers” by Doug Stanton. Lorne Balfe supplies a rousing, appropriate score and cinematographer Rasmus Videbaek captures the battles with stellar shots.  Of note are the aerial shots of the bombings.  Last, but not least, is editor Lisa Lassek who orchestrates the film into a tremendous crescendo with the final forty minutes feeling like a roller coaster at Kennywood.

Films like 12 STRONG are often ignored by Hollywood pundits.  The movie does not rely on political correctness, kowtow to the woman warrior agenda, nor pay homage to all the liberal causes they wish to infuse into society.  It is strongly reminiscent of the films Hollywood made during World War II, bolstering love for America and showing America’s greatness.  12 STRONG a powerful cinematic experience, and though it is exceptionally early in the year, it promises to hold up as one of the year’s best.