Act of Valor (2012)
Dir. Mike McCoy & Scott Waugh
Starring active duty U.S. Navy SEALs and U.S. Navy Special Warfare Combatant Crewmen, Alex Veadov, Roselyn Sánchez & Jason Cottle
Directed by Mike McCoy and Scott Waugh, Act of Valor follows active serving U.S Navy SEALs and U.S Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen (whose names have not been released) as they set out on a series of missions that include hostage rescuing, capturing a target, raids and more.
The trailer for Act of Valor did everything it needed to do to get butts in seats for America to show what they’re made of, and it does a good job of doing so. The men on show are honourable, skilful and admirable. They are not however good actors. Thankfully they are given few dialogue scenes as the lack of depth to their characters make for some very stiff performances. Therefore forcing the audience to rally behind these men based upon the respect they have earned.
The plot is strung together by a variety of missions that the film jumps between; leaving the film with only an objective, to promote. Any attempt at an actual plot revolves around the scheming bad guys portrayed by relatively unknown actors. Alex Veadov as Christo and Jason Cottle as Abu Shabal are the films primary villains. Both men do a decent job however when portraying terrorists it isn’t hard to be hated by the audience. Roselyn Sánchez also stars as Morales, a ‘good guy’ doctor who gets little to do, apart from screaming. Due to the narrative point of view that the film takes it quickly becomes obvious how the film will end. It’s a regrettable mistake as the element of surprise could have helped save this dull recruitment video. The film briefly explores what it’s like for the men’s families once they depart. It’s the one idea that could have flourished into a beautiful piece of storytelling had it been given time to blossom. A real shame as seeing the torment the woman go though may have created a much needed sense of concern for the SEALs.
‘a realistic representation of what these men go through on a day to day basis…’
Meanwhile, cinematographer Shane Hurlbut does a superb job at bringing the action to the big screen. The films incorporation of POV (point of view) is superbly executed as it drops the audience right into the thick of the action. Allowing them to feel the boom of the headshot. Hurlburt also offers a variety of magnificently shot scenes that cleverly cut together make for a great looking film. Various elements of the 101 minute run time scream documentary. It’s a nice inclusion that brings a sense of reality to the film. As does the use of live rounds used for the well put together action sequence that really help authenticate the film.
Act of Valor will mainly appeal to fans of the long running Call of Duty, Battlefield and Medal of Honour games. Who finally get an insight into the men and woman who inspire the makings of their much loved video games. Unfortunately the film won’t supply them with the adrenaline rush they’ll be hoping for. While both insightful and educational as it offers a realistic representation of what these men go through on a day to day basis the films poor acting and severely lacking plot mean Act of Valor is regrettably dull.
Popcorn & Soda Rating: 2/5
