12 Strong Review: A Gripping War Drama
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 49%
"12 Strong" is a war drama film directed by Nicolai Fuglsig and written by Ted Tally and Peter Craig. The movie is based on the book "Horse Soldiers: The Extraordinary Story of a Band of U.S. Soldiers Who Rode into Afghanistan after 9/11 and Defeated the Taliban" by Doug Stanton. The film features an impressive cast, including Chris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon, and Michael Peña.
The Story
The movie tells the story of the first U.S. Special Forces team to be sent to Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks. The team, known as Task Force Dagger, is composed of 12 soldiers who are tasked with taking down the Taliban and their Al-Qaeda allies. Led by Captain Mitch Nelson (Chris Hemsworth), the team must navigate the treacherous terrain of Afghanistan and face off against a ruthless enemy.
The Good
Gripping Action Sequences
"12 Strong" features some of the most intense and gripping action sequences of recent war films. The battle scenes are well-choreographed and intense, making the viewer feel like they are right there in the midst of the action.
Strong Performances
The cast of "12 Strong" delivers strong performances, with Chris Hemsworth and Michael Shannon standing out as particular highlights.
Emotional Resonance
The film also explores the emotional toll of war on the soldiers and their families, adding a layer of depth to the story.
The Bad
Lack of Character Development
One of the main criticisms of "12 Strong" is that the characters are not well-developed. The film focuses more on the action and the mission, rather than delving deeper into the characters' backstories and motivations.
Clichéd Storytelling
The story follows a familiar and somewhat predictable trajectory, with some critics accusing the film of relying on war movie clichés.
The Verdict
While "12 Strong" has its flaws, it is still a gripping and intense war drama that is worth watching. The action sequences are top-notch, and the performances are strong. However, the lack of character development and clichéd storytelling hold the film back from being a truly great war movie.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
"'12 Strong' is a well-intentioned, entertaining film that struggles to dig deeper beneath the surface of its inspiring true story, settling for a shallow, formulaic war movie experience."
