Jarhead Enlists Storyless Script

Kevin L. Mayer, co-news editor

Hurry up and wait for the action-packed, plotless “Jarhead” script that recalls the Gulf War.

Following a Marine sniper unit, this so-called war movie seriously lacks coverage of the war. Diving into the realm of the psychological effects that may arise in wars, “Jarhead” depicts the possible mental breakdowns that can occur to soldiers in battle. From missing loved ones, to loved ones leaving or cheating on those serving, you can feel the realism brought on by such a stressful environment.

As the soldiers run drills while they wait in the desert for orders to engage the enemy, they have time to concern themselves with the idea that they are alone. As I mentioned, I felt the movie seriously lacked battle elements, while discussing masturbation in more detail than fighting the war at hand.

Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, Jamie Foxx and Lucas Black, the cast and crew did an excellent job with what they had to work with. Although good dialog was scarce, the main characters played well off each other, convincing enough to be real Marines. The only decent things about the movie were the actors. As in any war movie, the director runs the risk of casting actors that seem out of place. Shot on excellent locations, you really feel involved and right in the mix of the soldiers.

Receiving an “R” rating for pervasive bad language, violent images and very strong sexual content, the constant action is enough to hold and keep your attention. Although, by the end of the film you leave wondering, “what was the point, where was the story?”

I hate to spoil the surprise ending for those planning to see “Jarhead”, but there is no surprise. Nothing happens. I had to ask those with me if I fell asleep and missed the catch of the movie, but apparently I saw all two hours of this plotless, anticlimactic, anti-war movie.

Although “Jarhead” is a respectable movie, it cannot be compared to any other war movie out there. I would recommend waiting for video on this one, unless you enjoy war movies. Then you must see it just for comparison sake. If you are not a fan of war movies, fear not, this is not one.