Letter to the Editor:
As a retired Navy SEAL, I looked forward to seeing recently
released "Act of Valor" starring actual Navy SEALs instead of
professional actors.
Like most military veterans, I am a tough critic
of all military movies.
I have no affiliation with the production of
this movie. Prior to viewing it this week, I read reviews
that the acting was lacking and some scenes unrealistic.
Since we all
value our two hours and $10 and in trying my utmost to not be biased, I
respectfully disagree with those reviews.
Considering
they were not
professional actors, I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of
the acting and almost all of the movie was very realistic.
In
a fast-paced less than two hours, the SEAL team hunts down terrorists-a.k.a. "tangos" threatening Americans in a series of world-wide
operations showcasing SEAL expertise in parachuting, diving, shooting,
and fighting.
The very realistic attention to tactical details
includes using hand signals when silence was required and reloading
empty magazines from guns and switching from a primary weapon--rifle--to
secondary-pistol--when necessary in a firefight.
A U.S. POW scene was a
realistic contrast to an enemy POW scene with realistic contrasting
results.
A rocket round malfunctions showing, in combat--like in
life, that being good is good, but being good and lucky is better.
The
movie did not have excessive
or gratutious violence, nudity, or sex nor an overpowering
soundtrack but felt like a documentary, which is a style I enjoy.
Although
there were subtitles for foreign languages and locations traveled, my
biggest suggestion would be to add sub-titles explaining terms and
abbreviations that were spoken, but that most viewers are unfamiliar with
to maximize connection with the audience.
The river boat crews
were superbly featured and the crews from the helicopters, submarines,
and ships deserve more recognition for their invaluable work.
Most of
the few unrealistic details were likely to protect classified
information which conveniently cannot be explained for the same reason.
Due to obvious and dangerous security concerns, SEALs do not prefer
the headlines they have received lately.
On their behalf, SEALs are
only a
small part of the team that includes countless warriors from all the
military branches whose only purpose is to protect America.
If I was
not proud of this movie's representation of an important part of my
life then I would not recommend it.
I'll bet a popcorn that you agree--medium, no butter please.
I'll bet a popcorn that you agree--medium, no butter please.
Anthony T. O'Brien, Sr., Lieut. Cdr., US Navy Seals (Ret.)
P.O. Box 4012, Plymouth MA 02361
cell (508) 868-2547
Facebook: Anthony O'Brien Navy Seal
www.AnthonyOBrien.com
cell (508) 868-2547
Facebook: Anthony O'Brien Navy Seal
www.AnthonyOBrien.com
O'Brien is a Plymouth County Commissioner
(Movie poster courtesy IMBD.com)
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