Hollywood: We Love The Troops! As Long As They Are Fighting Make Believe Enemies

With as many enemies that America has, why would Hollywood need to resort to aliens if they wanted to make a 'Love Letter' to the Marine Corps?

I first heard about Battle: Los Angeles last year while attending Comic Con in San Diego. As you can imagine, there were quite a few projects being hyped that weekend and, honestly, I didn’t pay too much attention to this particular film. Why? Because, when it comes to projects that feature our military, I’ve been let down too many times before. My first reaction is typically, “Here we go again.”
[. . .]
As the release date neared, I was torn. Do I go see the movie, take my licks and try to enjoy the action aspect of it or do I give it a pass? I decided on the latter. I was not going to pay good money to go watch my brothers and sisters get crapped on again.

Then, last week I read an article in which Aaron Eckhart talked about the film:

“This movie, in my opinion, is meant to be a love letter to the Marines. We had their full cooperation. They had my full cooperation. I tried to get it right. I think this movie is very reverent towards the military and reverent towards the ranks, both the officers and the Marines and the grunts. I don’t see how any Marine can see this movie and feel like they’ve been at all taken advantage of. I think this is going to be an oo-rah moment for them.”

That's fine. I enjoy movies with Marines being bad asses because Marines are, well, bad asses.

But why limit them to fighting blue markers where the effects would be filled in later? Have them kicking butt in the Middle East where there is a real war with real people who hate us instead.

Hollywood can't do that. They can't even finish making a movie without changing out the main villain. Instead of China attacking the US this go around, the producers are switching the bad guys to North Korea.

Yes, they are really changing it so that we are invaded by North Korea. So, as [Little Miss Attila's] husband points out, they are going to make it The Mouse That Roared.

Yes, North Korea.  The one without the lights.

I'm aware that North Korea isn't too keen on the US but are they in any shape able to position themselves for an invation?  I don't thing so.  Not without some serious backing with another country three backing them financially.  *coff*China*coff*


Maybe they like aliens because they can use bigger explosions in the movies.

Obama – the CIC

Nice job Mr. President. I am impressed.

You have once again delivered a very smooth speech. Of course you always do so long as your teleprompter doesn't go on the fritz. And this time... Well this time - I actually agree with the meat of your message.

You listened to our military leadership and set us on a path for what appears to be a responsible withdrawal from Iraq, and for that I commend you. One thing that I am totally confused about though - How is this any different than what was in place already? Don't get me wrong - I am very pleased to hear your plan but let's be honest - this plan is the same plan that was put in place already. All you've really done is take the GWB (Petraeus) strategy and put your own name on it.

I do have one caution, note or lesson for you… You said:

"Let me say this as plainly as I can -- by August 31, 2010, our combat mission in Iraq will end."

I hope conditions continue to improve and that this statement doesn't come back to haunt you. If it does – you'll wish you never said it.

One fun note... I suppose it will be interesting to watch the anti-war zealots. They must be plagued with anguish and confusion, tearing themselves up inside trying to square their cause of the last four or so years with their blind support for you. This should be fun - where is my popcorn?

'Taking Chance'

If this doesn't make you well with tears, I'm not sure what will.

Chance Phelps was wearing his Saint Christopher medal when he was killed on Good Friday. Eight days later, I handed the medallion to his mother. I didn’t know Chance before he died. Today, I miss him.

Over a year ago, I volunteered to escort the remains of Marines killed in Iraq should the need arise. The military provides a uniformed escort for all casualties to ensure they are delivered safely to the next of kin and are treated with dignity and respect along the way.

That was posted four years ago. Now, soon to be a movie from HBO. The trailer looks good and Michael Strobl, the man who penned the original post for BlackFive, has a credit with the movie.



Thanks to the morons at Ace again.

Happy Birthday Marines!

When it absolutely, positively needs to be destroyed overnight. To my father-in-law who was/is a Marine. He is one of the toughest guys I have ever met.