Jarhead (2005)

Waiting is the enemy in Jarhead, and Sam Mendes means it that way. That’s also its weakness. Two hours of drills, heat and boredom can feel like exactly that, and the story moves in episodes instead of building toward anything. Jake Gyllenhaal is terrific as Anthony Swofford, a sharp, restless young Marine realizing that the thing he trained so hard to do may never be needed. Peter Sarsgaard is quietly devastating as Troy, the partner who wants it most. Jamie Foxx gets a great speech about why he loves the life. The Marines cheering a famous helicopter attack from an old Vietnam movie, right before they ship out, says more about how war gets sold than any lecture could. The burning oil fields, lighting up the desert at night, are some of the most haunting images of the decade. It made $97.1 million worldwide on a reported $72M. A 6.8 because it’s honest and beautiful and deliberately unsatisfying. $2,819 says the black rain over those burning oil fields is what you still see when you close your eyes tonight.

What works: Jake Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard are excellent, and the images of the burning oil fields are unforgettable.

What doesn’t: The film is episodic by design and never builds momentum, so the long stretches of boredom on screen can start to wear on the audience too.

Who it’s for: Viewers who want a thoughtful, unglamorous look at what modern war asks of young soldiers, without a big battle at the end.