This film is...something. Depicting the first major battle between U.S. forces and the NVA, and the first coordinated use of helicopters in combat, there is no doubt that there is a story here that must be told. The common recollection seems to be that we all liked this film when it came out in 2002. But has it aged well?

At first, we were sure Mel Gibson had to have directed and produced the thing...but on closer inspection, it turns out he is only the star of the film. And he's surrounded by great talent! Sam Elliot, Greg Kinnear, a young John Hamm in his first major role...but what is that smell...?

OH, RANDAL WALLACE directing, that's what!! The screenwriter of Braveheart, and descendant of William Wallace. (Maybe). Turns out that he alludes strongly to that fact, but there is no proof of the claim. Probably not the only thing on his resume that fits that category.

Honestly, there could not be more stars involved here, including a graceful if mostly wasted Madeleine Stowe, but we kind of wish Randall Wallace had continued to live the life of a Scottish nobleman, drinking ale and not making movies. Alas, here we are.

Next Episode: Seven Days in May (1964)

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