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Review

A star rating of 3 out of 5.

America gets a kicking in this reflective drama that follows a young Iraq War hero who is due to be paraded during half time at a Dallas Cowboys football match at Thanksgiving, 2004. Director Ang Lee brings Ben Fountain's novel to vivid life at a revolutionary 120 frames-per-second (the standard, which will be used at most cinemas, is 24) in 4K resolution. The effect is disconcerting - almost anti-cinematic with its glaring brightness - but in a story where the razzmatazz of propaganda casts the reality of war into the shadows, it seems apt. A desert skirmish is made even more bone-rattling, too, but this is chiefly a melodrama. British newcomer Joe Alwyn gives a merely adequate performance as Billy, who shows symptoms of PTSD and finds the adulation overwhelming. Garrett Hedlund has greater presence as his sergeant, who is being schmoozed for a movie deal by a sleazy Steve Martin as the Cowboys' wealthy owner. At home, Kristen Stewart can do angst in her sleep as Billy's sister. It's these relationships that absorb, and if the sentimental ending creates more discomfort, it also underlines the emotional illiteracy that thwarts countless young men. Like Billy, this portrait is flawed yet noble and sensitive.

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Credits

Cast

rolename
Billy LynnJoe Alwyn
KathrynKristen Stewart
AlbertChris Tucker
DimeGarrett Hedlund
ShroomVin Diesel
Norm OglesbySteve Martin
Wayne FosterTim Blake Nelson
FaisonMakenzie Leigh
MangoArturo Castro
FooMason Lee

Crew

rolename
DirectorAng Lee

Details

Theatrical distributor
Sony Pictures
Released on
2017-02-10
Languages
English
Guidance
Violence, swearing.
Available on
DVD and Blu-ray
Formats
Colour
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