An Act of War (2015)

Truly Dreadful Film

This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

A film with more than the usual spoiler issues. Talking about it in any detail feels akin to handing you a gift-wrapped present and saying, "I hope you like it -- It's a thriller about a diabolical secret experiment."

I am a Vietnam combat veteran who has had PTSD (never did go see a doc or shrink and I'm already 67 so missed out on that)and had some quite violent confrontations for the first 8 years after I got out. The difference between my situation and this contrived load of BS is that in my case I refused to "knuckle under" to thugs that I would see either beating on a loved one, ripping someone off of their personal items when I was close enough to do something about it or threatening others with violence. I'm not proud to say I never lost a fight in my life. However, all that said, the premise of this movie is quite flawed. Even if it is just a single representation of a return U.S. Military vet going on a violent streak and then taking his own life, in a sense it is a metaphor (or at least the writers of it wanted it to be) for the supposed generalized malaise of returning vets. The actual truth is that regardless of our (meaning U.S. combat veterans who were discharged honorably) memories of war and subsequent reintegration back into "normal American society" the vast majority of vets cope with things (as I did) and remain honorable men. No returning vets I have ever met (although I know there are statistically a few who do it) have actually committed suicide. I would boycott this movie if you can as it does not in any way represent the reality of most returned combat veterans and is a leftist Hollywood way of saying "our returning combat troops are generally flawed and out of control (which can be disproven). I only fought to protect people when I got out and never started any fight. I have no record as in all cases I was found to be in the right. StocktonRob

This movie is not worth watching. I am very disappointed with the reviews and ratings on here that led me to waste my time watching it. I would say that Russo's performance was above average. Directing was good. Problem is that the movie had no real story. The twist at the end made the entire story line nonexistent. Also, the ending with the brother and police did not make sense. The movie was painfully slow, I suppose for artistic sake, but it just dragged out the story that wasn't there. I read other reviewer's remarks that this portrayed PTSD in soldiers. It doesn't effectively do so. As the action of the movie is negated by the ending. Was it PTSD? Was it schizophrenia? Was it something else? We don't really know by the little bits and pieces we are offered, and by the lack of any true diagnosis in the movie.

Looked interesting at the first sight and acting was good too. You keep waiting what's gonna happen and so, but that doesn't seem to be the case after more than half of the movie. Terrible ending. I mean, why would he get the tapes with criminals risking his brother, when what we get is his revenge against the same people that developed as characters in the first half of the movie? His ex-employee might have been an asshole but to kill him? Marlon looked like a nice guy despite selling drugs and Ivana had every right to avoid him, no girl would like to date such of a strange guy, especially not after filming her making sex and showing it during the movie at the cinema. It's all stupid, really.I agree that this might be a veteran's problem and this movie does bring this into the sight. But that's the only reason this movie gets a 3 from me, because it was absolutely crap otherwise. I mean the plot and so, acting was decent I'd say but it doesn't change the whole picture by much.

I did not know what to expect before watching this film. I was pleasantly surprised at finding this "gem" of a film. It is beautifully shot and composed. Hard to believe this was a "first effort" by writer/director Ryan Kennedy - he takes you to the side of town where bottles, hearts and bodies get broken. Looking forward to what he does next.The cast, top to bottom, is excellent. The three leads, Russ Russo, Natasha Alam and Doug E. Doug give honest, nuanced performances. Watching Russo is painful and heart rending. He is brilliant and I believed everything about him. I look forward to seeing more from this "new" actor. Ms.Alam is tragic in her portrayal of Ivana - her emotion truthful and raw. Doug E. Doug is equally good, bringing a quirky, broken, surprisingly sympathetic character to life. He is almost childlike.There are other noteworthy performances to mention. Robert Miano as "Sully," is natural and easy. Nothing "actory" about his performance. I have seen his work before and he is a craftsman.The opening sequence of the film draws you in. The actor playing Lt. Sullivan, Chris LaPanta, is another actor I have never heard of - He is measured, controlled, believable and real. His performance is subtle and nuanced. You feel his fatigue and empathy.My only criticism is that the film is a bit long/slow in spots. That said, I will add this film to my list of films i will watch again to find new and interesting moments and gladly recommend. Well done.