The Last Full Measure

Boasting a powerhouse cast, The Last Full Measure has the best of intentions, to celebrate servicemen without condoning war, but winds up with little else.

Here's a true story about a young soldier's exceptional bravery and sacrifice made into a pretty average war movie, insubstantial and TV-ish despite the appearance of some decorated Hollywood veterans.

In his final role, Fonda is given room to be wonderful - and so, of course, he is.

One of the strengths of Todd Robinson's film lies in the casting of a gallery of fine actors in almost every role.

Not bad for a regulation military movie, but I must confess to a wandering attention span; how else could I notice the cigarette that Jackson removes from the pack of Marlboros is an American Spirit?

The meticulous script and sensitive direction signal in Todd Robinson the virtues of a major filmmaker at work.

A do-the-right-thing film that lacks technical savvy but makes up for it with well-earned manipulation.

Can you see the gears turning during these scenes? Sure. But I can’t deny their effect, and Robinson is clearly sharing something he cares about.

The emotional manipulation is still there, undoubtedly, but the tactics do find a way of working and are well executed.

How can a film starring Samuel L. Jackson, Christopher Plummer and Ed Harris be this dull?