Semper Fi: One Marine's Journey (2007)

Yawn. Poorly Filmed Snooze Fest.

Instant Favorite.

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

This movie is less about Jeff Key being gay as it is about any person's reaction and response to being in Iraq during a miserable mess of a war.Key is thoughtful, insightful and experiences all the confusion and bewilderment any of us would. I like it a lot. From his childhood in the South, in a white Christian family to the dessert of Iraq, we see Key's commitment to his country and how he developed it. I liked the scenes of his childhood, the Scouts, the patriotic parades, so much like our idealized version of hometown America,producing this sensitive young man. Key does a good job of demonstrating is growing sadness, yet reaffirms his commitment to his country and the Marines.

Considering that the rate of STDs, including HIV-AIDS, is astronomical in gay males of normal military age (18-40) -- compared to straight males -- and that the solder or Marine next to you is your blood bank for direct transfer (still used in combat, such as in the Blackhawk Down incident) .... I'm just staggered that no one bothers to even mention this when discussing the issue of gays in the military.The actual rate of HIV infection is roughly 30 times higher among gay males compared to everyone else, and similar rates for all STD's, including syphilis.Doesn't it sink in that there is a REASON that each soldier's blood type is stamped on his dog tags? No, thanks. Combat wounds usually heal, for the most part. What our veterans do NOT need is a bout of AIDS added, for them -- and their family -- to enjoy for the rest of their lives.Basically, this film was just the usual left-wing, feel-good propaganda for people that have no real understanding of the whole issue.I am not impressed. Neither was I surprised when our joke of a national government jammed gays down the Defense Department's throat -- not a bad analogy, actually. Wait until you see what the AIDS budget for the Veterans Administration will expand to in the next five or ten years ....

I have often cringed at the site of war movies, war documentaries. Maybe I cringed because it was real, and I live in a place so far removed. Maybe I cringed because I knew it was not a true portrayal compared to what I had heard from those who had been there. This film made me want to stand up and scream "THANK YOU!", for allowing me into your life Jeff, and for helping us all understand. It is moving, comical, realistic, heartbreaking, heartwarming, but most importantly it's honest. Jeff Key not only sets, in my opinion, a tremendous example for the Marine Corps and for all those who serve...but he sets an example for all human beings. The film covers all the bases, and cuts in and out of his own one man show based on his experience, his own pictures and film from his time in Iraq, and straight talking to the camera. It all meshes together for a poignant glimpse of one Marine's journey. This film could teach all of us, especially here in America, a little something about truth, loyalty, and the life of those in service.

I just saw this documentary on Showtime. It was nothing short of terrific. I, also, was in the military so I can identify with Jeff. This was one moving documentary. If Jeff is ever in your town with this one-man show go and see it. I had tears in my eyes at the end along with the actual audience who was watching his live performance. He is an eloquent speaker and you will be clinging to his every word. Our military men and women are heroes in every way. Everyone needs to support them. The only shame is that not everyone is allowed to be a soldier. I believed Jeff when he said he always wanted to be a soldier. And he sure was a good one. Do not miss this documentary and tell your friends about it.