In many road films the journey and destination are the point. That is not the case here. The point here is the way the characters draw together, revealing themselves in ways that surprise even themselves. They are all veterans of the war in Iraq and this film certainly wants to be seen as a film related to the war, but it is not about the war; it does not even take a stand on the war. The war serves as a backdrop that colors their collective experiences and joins them together. For the war, against the war — it makes no difference.
Now, the structure and much of what they experience is nothing new to the road movie experience. Actually, nothing feels particularly new here. Despite that, the film still feels fresh, and you want to know why? The performances.
Rachel McAdams is clearly the brightest spot. This is a role like unlike any she has done before. She is not the love interest, or the girlfriend, and this is definitely not The Hot Chick. Her character, Colee, is naive, but not stupid; she is spunky, vulnerable, tough, and sensitive all at the same time. This is a role that shows her growth as an actress and brings promise to her career.
Michael Pena and Tim Robbins are not to be forgotten. Pena has a youthful exuberance and a severe preoccupation with his injury, not that I blame him. Robbins is a fatherly figure facing down the barrel of unfathomable, for him, family issues. Together with McAdams, they deliver a story that may be implausible on the surface, but contains a genuine reality within and leads the viewer on a pleasant journey filled with laughs and sadness.
Bottom line. Not quite what I expected, but ultimately satisfying. This is a film that takes its time to get where it is going and every minute is worth the trip. You will likely see the end coming, but this will not dampen your enjoyment of the journey.
Recommended.
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