Act of Valor’s Courageous Premise Proves Real People Rule [REVIEW]

February 23, 2012 Posted in Cool Stuff, Entertainment, Features, Heavy Player, homepage, Movies, Pics, Video

When we were assembling our list of most anticipated movies of 2012, the film we really wanted to include was “Act of Valor” – but we remained skeptical. The February release date threw us off and the hook of real active duty Navy Seals playing characters based on themselves was cool yet a little gimmicky and very risky. However, after seeing the advanced screening last night, there’s no question in my mind the risk will pay off tenfold.

Of course, it’s not that great of a stretch to have someone play his or herself. These 8 men were basically just doing their jobs – the only difference is they had a camera in their faces. Given their extensive training and ability to adapt in less than ideal environments, it’s no surprise they were equipped to handle a crew interfering with the mission at hand.

But, what about the acting? It certainly wasn’t Oscar-worthy, but they held their own. Though the primary character arc honed in on Lt. Commander Rorke and his relationship with Special Warfare Operator Chief Dave, it was Senior Chief Van O – whose nickname is “Dennis Hopper” who stole the show with classic quote after quote. Every time he opened his mouth another gem would pour forth.

So, other than Senior Chief Van O – who deserves his own movie and subsequent TV series – what else do you need to know? Well…

It also stars freakin’ hot Puerto Rican multihyphenate Roselyn Sanchez as the kidnapped CIA operative the team must rescue.
It’s produced by the Bandito Brothers who are former stuntmen, which means they’re willing and able to get shots that other crews can’t.
It’s got headshots galore. Everyone loves headshots.
It’s authentic as all hell with actual Navy Seal terminology, weapons, combat procedures and operations, and “live fire”. That’s right. No blanks. As Rorke points out in the opening scene, “Being dangerous is sacred. When a man is no longer dangerous, he becomes scared.”
It’s got quotes and quotes and quotes. From the funny to the poignant to the philosophical.
The scene in which they must extract kidnapped CIA operative and receive support from the boats is IN…TENSE.
I don’t want to give away the ending but the foreshadowing is subtle enough to tip it off if you’re paying attention.
You WILL feel like a worthless piece of sh*t once the credits roll. These guys are strong, tough, and intelligent beyond comprehension. Courageous in the face of danger to no end.

Check out stills from the movie along with a “making of” featurette and pics of the super sexy Sanchez below.