I recently had the pleasure of watching the movie Act of Valor, which features active duty Navy Seals as actors. The directors wanted authenticity in the movie, and in my opinion, using real Seals made a huge impact in the action scenes. This movie was recently released on Blu-Ray and DVD, and I had the opportunity to receive a review copy, and I also have 3 copies to give away to our readers – just in time for Father’s Day! (more on the giveaway in a moment).
Act of Valor – A Movie About Navy Seals
If you haven’t seen the movie yet, I’ll give you a brief synopsis, without any spoilers. The basic plot surrounds a Seal Team which is assembled to perform a rescue mission in South America. The movie starts with the Seal Team at home station, and their last night before heading out into the field. The Seal Team performs the rescue mission, which turns up some important evidence about a large scale terror plot, which sends the Seal Team on related, but separate missions to South America, Somalia, Mexico, and the South Pacific to thwart the terror attack.
Overall, the movie is full of action, and gives a good look at what the Seals go through in order to help preserve our way of life. This movie is fictional, but it based on some real life missions Seals have performed since the War on Terror began. In other words, it’s as close to real life as you can get without sacrificing security. They even used live ammunition in parts of the filming, adding authenticity to some shots. It’s also worth noting this move is not a recruiting or propaganda movie. The movie is filmed in a matter of fact manner, without dragging out scenes or unnecessarily inflating the drama.
One of the important elements of the movie is the family life – the movie does a good job of showing that Seals are just like all of us. They have families they care deeply about, and they make sacrifices when they have to leave on their deployments and missions. It’s easy for the general public to think of Seals as mythical modern day warriors, without stopping to remember they are normal people with extraordinary abilities and who do extraordinary missions.
The movie was very good, but it isn’t without its faults, though. The primary lead actors are 8 active duty Navy Seals, and while they are elite in terms of their military skills, some of the dialogue and acting seemed a little forced, though not to the point of distraction. Additionally, the missions and action scenes, while amazing in their own right, seemed a little too perfect in some cases, with the Seals hitting head shot after head shot on the enemies. Maybe the Seals are that good in real life (I’m not one to doubt the skills of such an elite unit), but it seemed a little too Hollywood at times. On the flip side, Hollywood didn’t go for perfection in every aspect of the story line. People can and do get hurt on live missions, and this movie showed this. It’s important to remember that many military members put their lives on the line every day to protect our way of life.
The ending is one you don’t want to miss – and by the time it is over, you can see where the movie title comes from. Navy Seals are an elite fighting unit and we are lucky to have them on our side. And I for one, am thankful for the sacrifices they make on a daily basis to keep us safe.
Verdict: Act of Valor is well worth watching, and definitely worth adding to your library of movies if you are a fan of military movies. You can also check it out on Netflix (free one month trial, and review).
Buy Act of Valor and Support Operation Homefront
I was contacted a few weeks ago about the PR firm for the movie’s release and they announced the movie’s producers and distributors will donate a portion of the DVD sales to Operation Homefront ($1 from every sale through 11/30/12, up to $100,000).
Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment in cooperation with Relativity Media and The Bandito Brothers pledged today to give a portion of the proceeds from the ACT OF VALOR Blu-ray and DVD to Operation Homefront. Operation Homefront is a national non-profit organization that provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and wounded warriors. ACT OF VALOR will be available on Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD everywhere June 5th.
The PR firm also provided the 3 movies we have for a giveaway – so a big thanks to them!
Act of Valor Blu-Ray Giveaway
I have 3 copies of the Act of Valor Blu-Ray which also includes a DVD and digital copy of the movie, plus special features, including interviews with the Navy Seals in the movie, Director’s Commentary, deleted scenes, and several featurettes, including the making of the movie, documenting the use of real bullets during some scenes of the movie, and more. The special features give you an additional look behind the scenes, which helps you appreciate both the film making, and the Seals themselves.
Hats off to the entire production crew, and especially the Seals involved in the movie, the US government for allowing them to participate, and for all the unsung military heroes who remain behind the scenes every day, doing what they do to keep us safe.
How to Win a Copy of Act of Valor
I only have 3 copies to give away, so I will make this easy. There are two ways to enter. If you subscribe to our newsletter, you can respond to the newsletter we will send out next Tuesday (instructions will be in the newsletter). You can also enter by leaving a comment in this article. The comment must be your thoughts on this movie if you have seen it, or tell us your favorite military movie. That’s it – two easy ways to enter! (Giveaway ends June 22, 2012 at 11:59pm).
Note: Winners will be decided by a random drawing, and all decisions are final. Winners must be located in the US, or have a military mailing address such as APO, FPO, etc.
Comments
Favorite military movie is probably Full Metal Jacket. That’s as realistic as it gets.
My husband is active duty Air Force. Of course this means we have a lot of military based movies. I would have to say his favorite Band of Brothers. He watches it every time its on TV and its his go to on a lazy day. We could definitely use a new movie to take this ones place. At least for a little while.
Band of Brothers is one of my favorites too. I love movies about WWII – something about the war and the era have a special appeal to me. Perhaps because my grandfathers were in the war, so even though it was a very different time, there is still that personal connection.
I loved the movie Band of Brothers. It depicts, although in a historical sense, all that our proud heritage is all about. I’d love to see the movie Act of Valor, and while I have not yet, I have heard nothing but good reviews about this movie. Big fan already, and from the sounds of it, it does not disappoint in the action arena.
I will have to say my favorite is Down Periscope. As a submariner this one takes top but Dos Boot is right up there.
I absolutely loved the movie when it came out. I am retired Navy and my father is a retired Green Beret sniper. There was so much familiar in all of it. I especially applaud the SBU who ran the riverboats – loved that mini-gun scene!
I saw this movie on opening day in a civilian theater in Mississippi. I was prepared for typical civilian disdain for the services, but I was disappointed. The crowded theater not only cheered our men in action but were very respectful of the funeral. I have always felt a part of the service. It is good that the country is starting to understand us. Very different from seeing GARDENS OF STONE in Berkeley back in the 80′s.
The mini-gun and river boat scenes were amazing! The action in those scenes is about as real as it gets, in my opinion. There were a lot of great scenes in the movie, and I think I will need to watch it again to take everything in. (actually there was so much non-stop action, that the movie warrants a couple viewings to take everything in).
Looks like a wonderful film. I haven’t seen it yet, and my favorite military film is An Officer and a Gentlemen.
I love Saving Private Ryan! It’s just my favorite. Thanks for the giveaway!
My favorite is Taking Chance. To me this is the real meaning of war, the lost love ones. If you don’t shed a tear during this movie, you aren’t human.
My favorite military movie would have to be Full Metal Jacket. Hope I win a copy. Thanks for all you do!
I would love to win this. I haven’t seen it yet because I don’t get to the movies often with 4 children!!
To hell and back
(I tried to enter this earlier, but my internet went down, so I hope I haven’t entered twice.)
We haven’t seen this one yet. My husband loves war movies and would love to have this one.
I haven’t seen these mentioned, but I like The Dirty Dozen and also Patton.
Thanks!!!!
I loved this movie. When the seal jumped on the grenade I felt that kind of comradery with the troops I was deployed with overseas. I can say that anyone of my fellow soldiers would have done that for each other, as well as myself for them. The movie made me proud to serve, God willing, of course!
I have not yet seen Act Of Valor, sometimes it is too soon to see things like this or too close for comfort, in time I will see this movie. I do like Band Of Brothers it was very well made.
I have seen Act of Valor and loved it. It really shows the sacrifices soliders go through and the loss that some families experience. One of my favorite military movies ever is Platoon. It was just a good, and different, kind of military movie.
As a spouse of a retired military member, and as a supportive mom-type of a close family friend, some of the scenes were hard to watch at first… but I appreciated the realism. There have been other movies that almost sugar-coated their story lines with distractions and predictable. I recommended Act of Valor to my friends.. but told them not to see it alone
Loved this movie, as I do most military movies, but my favorite is The Deer Hunter.
My daughter’s friend, Aaron Vaughn, was in this movie. He was one of the SEALS who was killed in the helicopter crash last year. I would like to win a copy of this movie to give to her.
I’m a fan of military movies, and I recommend everyone to see, you will enjoy the movie from beginning to end. Great movie!
My favorite all time military movie is PLATOON. The times have changes but the message, fight, being under resourced, needless conflict and political striff is always consistant. I am a veteran and do not mean to say that the U.S. is intentionally planning the above but the theme is the same in every conflict. I wish all troops past, present and future the safest of journesy and together we stand strong and brave. GO U.S. Armed Forces
ARMY VET.
Being a Viet Nam veteran, my favorite war movie is Apocalypse, then Green Beret. The first one still gets me, even after all these years. Some of the scenes are so real to me.
My favorite war movie to date is “We Were Soldiers,” the true-life story of the first air cavalry action in Vietnam. After seeing the movie I read the book and the movie closely followed the story as told by General Hal Moore. Having spent six years in the Navy in the early 70s I would love to win a copy of Act of Valor to watch with my five sons, one of whom is interested in attending the Naval Academy.
One of my favs is ” Blackhawk Down”!
My husband says his favorite war movie is we were soldiers and saving private Ryan. Mine was pearl harbor, but hey I’m a chick!! LOL
Finally! A movie that dares to go where no other movie has gone before! The Act of Valor is not a documentary and at the same time, not a flashy Hollywood spectacle with a cast of a thousand known character actors. This film reflects the true nature of our armed forces in a favorable light. This is a breath of fresh air particularly in today’s ‘media hype’ society. It is a testament to the members of the armed forces that train every day for the possibility that they may have to lay down their life in the service of others. Thank you to all who were involved in making this film and thank you for your service!
John Spina, MSgt (Ret), USAF
I haven’t seen Act of Valor yet, but I am excited to! My husband went and saw it with a few Army friends and they loved it. My favorite military movie is Top Gun, however, there are few military movies that I don’t like. Thank you and God Bless!
Although I have many favorites, I have to say that my favorite is The Green Berets. Reason being is that, in one scene, the VC have the camp and a plane mounted with several Gatling guns mows them down. That is what my father flew in Vietnam. Call sign Puff the Magic Dragon. I have had several vets, independently mind you, verify that that was about what it was like. I am very proud of the service he did as well as all veterans. You volunteered to take a bullet for me and mine. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My favorite military movie is Memphis Belle. I really love seeing that airplane, especially the one being rebuilt here in Savannah.
I have seen Act of Valor and I must say it is an awesome movie!! Lots of action, camaraderie and love for the country we live in. As a Soldier of 18 years in service, I really appreciate a military movie that shows a realistic view of just how awesome and tragic it is when you fight for our country.
I have many favorite military movies but the one I really enjoyed the most was “We Were Soldiers” with Mel Gibson. Not only did the movie show the soldiers perspective but also the roles of the wives.
I haven’t seen this movie but Black Hawk Down is my favorite military movie.
I have not seen it yet but My favorite movie was the Patriot but Saving Private Ryan was a close second.
I have been a fan of military movies since I was a young child and since being in the Army I have become an even bigger fan of good movies. I have always loved Full Metal Jacket, Heartbreak Ridge and many others. After watching Act of Valor I was so impressed that I would love to be able to watch it again about a hundred times or so just to make sure I fully understood all the parts of the movie. My step son served in Iraq and Afganistan and my wife also loved the movie and we both feel it shows great respect for the men and women that serve. We also believe that everyone should be required to see the movie.
My favorite military movie and that of my Army son’s is Restrepo. I watched it with him just before he deployed, he wanted to me to see it with him. He is an Army Medic and wanted me to see how important what he would be doing is and how he could save other soldier’s lives.
I am homebound with Chronic illness and would love to win a copy of the DVD, mainly to send to my son to have it!
I HAVE READ THE ABOVE REVIEWS AND WOULD LIKE A COPY OF THE MOVIE.
THANKS!
I have watched a lot of war movies because my Dad and I watched them together. He was in WWII at the Battle of the Bulge. He never talked about his service so I guress watching the movies helped him. I joined out of high school and was a Medic but stayed stateside during Vietnam. I was so proud to serve this great country!
I watch war movies and the few that I have are of WWII. I just recently bought Battle of the Bulge so I could see what my Dad did there. I would like to win a copy of The Act of Valor because it is about the war on terror. I have not seen any of these movies. The WWII movies and a few Vietnam movies. The Green Berets is one I really appreciate watching.
Thanks for all that you do.
I felt that the movie was really good. I had a co-worker who didn’t like the idea of using AD SEALs showing their actual tactics, but to me, it’s the sort of thing the enemy could find out about anyway….and just because they know some of the SEALs tactics doesn’t mean they can counteract them or even stop them. Overall, good movie.