Tears of the Sun

B-

Tears of the Sun asks what would happen if the US actually did something to stop atrocities in Africa? Or at least what if eight SEALS did something. I like the portrayal of very professional US soldiers having a conscience and doing the right thing. The atrocity stuff is hard to watch, made a little easier only be being fictional (though way too common and real). It takes a while to get going and even longer to actually become intriguing. At first I was wondering why these soldiers would be trying to move so stealthily while their escorts were loudly singing.

But, in the end, the movie can't seem to make up its mind about whether to be an action movie shoot 'em up, or a message drama. It does both, but probably neither all that well. Adrenaline junkies will be bored by how few action scenese there are. And people who want a story about genocide will be disappointed that there are real stories that could and should be told instead of this yarn. Some of the military stuff seems very realistic. It seems like SEALS are always put in situations where their chances of survival are minimal. Despite incredible training and bravery, they are still human. At least this isn't the story of a ragtag team of misfits. These are highly skilled professionals. But ultimately the story isn't that much different than so many other mission movies. B-.

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