Jarhead MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -4

Based on a memoir by Marine Anthony Swofford, this action drama follows Anthony (Jake Gyllenhaal) from boot camp to the end of Gulf War Desert Shield. Unlike the book, which was a first-hand perspective of one man, the movie communicates Marine life from the viewpoints of many. Anthony is a trained sniper among the best in his platoon, which is headed up by Sergeant Sykes (Jamie Foxx). Anthony, like his friend and mentor Troy (Peter Sarsgaard) and many others, wonders about his first killing. A unique bond is formed among the soldiers and is shown from the newcomers hazing to the partying that erupts when its time to go home. Raw and uncensored, this film is a realistic look at the challenging and brutal life of young soldiers. The mental and physical torments of war are portrayed in extended stints of boredom and moments of paralyzing fear.

While this is an interesting look at the Gulf War from the soldiers point of view, the movie drags so much in places that it seems longer than its two and a half hours. This frank look into the minds of young fighting men is often disturbing. Their obsession with sex is not veiled. In order to embarrass their sergeant during a press interview, the men disrobe and simulate group sexual activity. The colonel even speaks of being sexually aroused by the mens enthusiasm. The movies political bias is subtle but takes on a slight liberal slant suggesting that the war is all about oil. While the movie contains some violent images, they are not as graphic as might be expected in a war film. There are some very strong sexual scenes with nudity, and the bad language is over the top with the f-word used more than 70 times. Preview does not recommend Jarhead.

Preview Reviewer: Alan Boyer
Distributor: Universal Pictures