Heartbreak Ridge (1986)

Sorry, this movie sucks

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

Blistering performances.

As far as I know, this is the only movie that focuses on the rescue mission in Grenada in 1983. Although there are a few geographical, continuity, and factual errors in this film, it's one of those movies that just seems to get better each with each viewing. Some of the supporting acting is a bit weak, but Clint Eastwood, Marsha Mason, and Arlen Dean Snyder turn in very convincing and well-portrayed character performances. The role of Gunnery Sergeant Tom Highway was chosen by Eastwood at the exact perfect point in his film career. Particularly impressive are the quotes throughout this film. It's just one of those movies to sit back and enjoy.

I loved this movie with the exception that it was filmed on the wrong coast. I'm a Marine from the 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, which is the unit they are supposed to be in. It definitely is not Camp Lejeune, NC. No mountains there. If it had been shot on location it would have been perfect. As for the Recon being as undisciplined as they were, it was on the extreme side of reality. Recon did get away with a lot compared to other grunts but there are perks to being in an elite unit. Most of the actors did a pretty good job portraying Marines. This is in my top three movies about Marines. Being a Marine is a part of my life I will never forget. One last thing, it was said the Marine Corps disowned this movie officially when it came out. This was said because of the foul language. Reality, Marines cuss, and often, it is a fact. The move was only for PC reasons. Ask most Marines and they liked the movie.

To date, it's the only sub-par Clint Eastwood film I've ever viewed. Eastwood is his usual bad-ass self, no complaints there. His ever impressive appearance and voice are ever potent, no doubt about it. See the film is beautifully shot, I'' give it that, but all the other characters are so over-shadowed by Eastwood. Some might argue, "Hey, it's a Clint Eastwood film, you know, The Man with No Name, Josey Wales, Dirty Harry", but in all of those films his co-stars had very good roles as well making the whole story very interesting. The one-liners are definitely enjoyable, yes but I craved more out of the writing. The characters were so darn bland, and a few had little sub-plots but none were developed that well.The battle at the finale could've been a tad more intense, all leading up to a lack luster climax. If you came in just for the one-liners, as some tend to do with his films, then I guess you'll be satisfied. As for me, I was expecting much more.

this was a good film and i really did enjoy it.the plot did get a bit cliché towards the end but was immensely enjoyable and there was a certain degree of comedy value to this film.Clint Eastwood did a good job of playing Gunny Highway and as usual there were some excellent quotes which are very memorable and can be applied to situations in everyday life. in my opinion the best quote is "quite frankly sir, your beginning to bore the hell outta me!" . this is much easier to take in compared to other war films and is well worth watching. top stuff from a top actor and is definitely in the same league as some of Eastwood's other movies