|
|
"Stop Loss" and "The Bank Job" |
|
|
|
|
Thursday, 27 March 2008 |
 Sgt. Brandon King (Ryan Phillipe, left) and his fellow Iraq war veteran Steve Shriver (Channing Tatum) try to come to terms with a seemingly endless conflict in ''Stop-Loss.'' (Courtesy photo) By Bob Polunsky
Movie Critic
“Stop-Loss” and “The Bank Job” are two sides of the same coin in spite of completely different plotlines.
“Stop-Loss” is about the Iraq War and, specifically, about Sgt. Brandon King (Ryan Phillippe). His tour of duty is supposedly over, and he and his best friend, Steve Shriver (Channing Tatum), are ready to resume civilian lives.
But there’s a hitch. The Army changes King’s status and orders him back to Iraq. He has to leave his family and friends and will be in military service longer than anticipated. His dilemma is that he has no choice. There has to be a limit to his service time, but, as has happened often during the Iraq situation, there doesn’t seem to be one.
On the flip side, there’s “The Bank Job” and it’s tale of honor. This time among thieves, and that’s considered the ultimate honor. It’s supposedly based on the true story of a London bank robbery that was hushed up because it involved the British royal family (specifically Princess Margaret) that may or may not be true. Dissenting opinions have been circulated, but the idea that it might be true adds tension to the tale.
 Jason Statham stars in ''The Bank Job,'' story of honor among thieves. (Courtesy photo)
Still, the idea that government officials might have – or did – hush it up strikes the same chord as “Stop-Loss” as it asks the same obvious questions about the meaning of honor, honesty and devotion to duty.
They also remind us that people in control don’t always have the same sense of honor they demand of others.
Of the two films, “Stop-Loss” offers more food for thought simply because it deals with current events. Men are ordered back to the battlefront in Iraq, and there is no obvious end in sight to the on-going war, so complications still arise. So do conflicting opinions about the war. “Stop-Loss” doesn’t offer a workable solution. It just shows how it affects those involved.
One of its distinguishing features is the setting. Sgt. King is from Texas, and some scenes were filmed in San Antonio and Austin, giving the film local flavor. Unfortunately, the acting isn’t consistent because the characters aren’t that colorful.
It’s easier to get emotionally involved with the characters in “The Bank Job” in spite of the loose ends of a plot that doesn’t completely add up. The idea is exciting and there is plenty of intriguing action when a thief robs a famous London bank. The idea that revealing pictures of real people are involved makes it a curiosity piece. It would have been more emotionally involving as pure fiction since members of the Royal family aren’t that topical any more. Studio rating: Both R for violence
Bob says: “Bank Job” is more fun. “Stop-Loss” is more topical. Both get
2 1/2 Stars
|
