‘Taking Chance’ Delivers Moving Tribute
by J.R. HeadHBO premiered “Taking Chance,” starring Kevin Bacon, on Saturday night. If you haven’t seen it yet, make time to watch it. ”Taking Chance” is unlike any Iraq War movie we’ve seen, thus far, in that it steers clear of any political message. I don’t mind telling you that I find that to be incredibly refreshing.
By the way, I realize that I’m a little late on this but, being just a regular schmo, I don’t get advance screeners of things. Consider this to be like talking to the buddy you haven’t seen since Friday.
Based on true events, the movie follows the experiences of Lieutenant Colonel Mike Strobl and is a moving tribute to PFC Chance Phelps, a 19-year-old Marine who was killed in battle in 2004. Even though the story follows LtCol Strobl as he escorts the body of this fallen Marine back to his family, it does not victimize Phelps. Further, it shows a side of America that I rarely see, living in Los Angeles. At every opportunity the movie takes the time to demonstrate the honor shown by fellow members of the military, as well as civilians raising hand to heart to offer respect. Not even the camera is disrespectful to PFC Phelps – he is more a symbol of all the brave men and women that we’ve lost in Iraq.
I’m often particularly aware of how other actors carry themselves when called upon to portray Marines. Military bearing is not something that can be obtained from the wardrobe department. Kevin Bacon did an outstanding job portraying Strobl. He performed his role with the silent strength that we’ve come to see in many of the members of our military.
While “Taking Chance” effectively illustrates the true cost of war, it doesn’t exploit it for political reasons. Rather, it plays as a tribute to those willing to pay that price for the rest of us.
Semper fidelis.
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109 Comments
Thanks for the recommendation. To be honest, I avoided it purposely, b/c it was from HBO, and starred Kevin Bacon. I don't trust anything out of Hollywood anymore. Wonder how this slipped through. Looking forward (now) to seeing it.
If we want Hollywood to keep making movies like this, then we have to watch them and make everyone we know watch them. It is a beautiful tribute. Spread the word.
I'll be checking this one out. As it was from HBO, I, too, figured it was another slam to our servicemen and women, but I'll at least rent it and give it a viewing. Band of Brothers was great, BTW.
i wasnt going to watch this because it had hollywoods hand in it and it was gnna be a big thing about how american military troops are a bunch of dilly dallys but now im going to watch this with my daughter. can you rent it? can anyoen email the movie to me?
I'm the last person on the planet to not have cable. I hope it will be available on DVD soon.
@milybalgeary and John Q, it is on HBO tonight!
HBO isn't on our Dish channels.
Take it from one whose President called upon him to fulfill that honorable, yet rather emotional callo parent wants to hear that news; however, how the body escort conducts him or herself speaks volumes regarding our government's treatment for those who paid the ultimate price. I agree that this movie met the standard. Kudos to Keveived in Bacon for his portryal of a Marine torn between duty, honor and country and his career decisions. This movie is extremely powerful and the message I recieved really brought home the fact that the "real" America appreciates and understands the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform thank the producers, directors and actors who made this movie possible. Hollywood knows that their employees must acknowledge, albeit grudingly for our service members. I'd prefer talking to one of our true unsung heroes regarding the finer points of life in a combat zone over the numbers of kids Miss Jolie might adopt this week or whether or not Alan Alda's hemmoroids require surgery.
I have never been more touched or cried as much as I did watching this wonderful movie. I specifically ordered HBO just to watch it. The only other time we've had HBO was when they ran another excellent movie "Band of Brother". Kevin Bacon was outstanding as Col Strobl and he deserves an Emmy for his performace. My thanks to Col. Strobl, our military involved and of course the Phelps family. Your son was a true hero! The home movies at the end were so touching. Thank you for sharing your son with us. As the mother of a Marine I salute all who serve and protect!!! Semper Fi
My husband was broken up over this and left the house long before it ended. He had friends who'd died in Vietnam and this movie was so effective, he could not handle it. I was teary eyed from beginning to end. The line that touched me the most was the old vet's reassurance that without the colonel's escorting Chance home, Chance would have just disappeared.
I saw the movie in real life on FOX News in 2004.
Thanks for the tip! Watching it now!
Anybody know when it is supposed to come out on DVD or something? I don't have HBO unfortunately.
I decided to go ahead and write this piece because I'd heard friends say that they weren't going to watch it, assuming it would be standard military bashing. After reading some of the above comments, I'm glad I did. This should not be missed.
Further, if you liked the film, please take a moment to email the folks over at HBO and let 'em know. The only way we're going to get more films like this is to support them when they are made. "Taking Chance" certainly deserves that support.
cowgirlup said:
"I specifically ordered HBO just to watch it."
This is exactly the thing that they need to hear.
The movie takes hold of your heart from the first scene until the very last. It is the type of military film Hollywood should have been making for years but for their cowardliness have not. I have watched it three times now and the impact has not lessened. Bacon is every bit a Marine officer in the film but all the other actors playing military are just as good. Watch it.
This is the first time I've really wished we had HBO. Bravo to the producers and I look forward to seeing it when it is released on DVD. Sounds like Hollyweird got the military part of it right for once; nothing worse than watching a movie with sloppy salutes and unkempt uniforms.
I must say, as a service member, how surprising it is out here in California (central, not northern or southern), when someone thanks you for your service. Both times it happened to me I didn't know how to respond. "You're welcome" didn't seem appropriate. I tell myself afterwards that next time I should say "No, it's my honor to serve." Sadly, I never remember.
Is this a 1-sitting-movie, or a Band of Brother's type thing, or a Soprano's type recurring show?
Dan-0, It's this one story, a one-sitting movie. Not a show. DVD to be out in May. I watched and I loved it, but it's so sad, of course. It's worth it to see it a second time, or more.
Unfortunatly,I can not see this film because I cancelled HBO last year.The Sopranos, Larry David and Dennis Miller were the only reasons to have the channel in the first place.When the "braintrust" cancelled Miller and put on Bill Maher that was the beginning of the end.I have little doubt that Taking Chance deserves the kudos and support it's getting.However,I don't believe I would ever subcribe to this channel as long as Maher is spewing his bile.The fact that everyone is saying that they never watch HBO tells me that they must be losing a lot of subscibers which may help explain the presence of non US hating show on its air.Too little too late for me.
good insight
Here is a CBS News interview with Col. strobl
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/04/12/sunday/...
and here is the original report by Col Strobl
http://www.blackfive.net/main/2004/04/taking_chan...
An exquisite elegy. Extremely touching, and was a much needed lesson for those of us non-military/related to military people of the detail and power of the rituals that accompany such a somber yet inspiring task. Beautifully filmed, acted, edited, etc. Big, shameless, roll-down the cheeks tears from me. Bless the family for allowing us to share the smallest measure of their grief, as well as pride in their son's sacrifice.
It'll be on DVD in May. I also don't have cable. For more on the film go here:
http://www.blackfive.net/main/2009/02/chance-phel...
These are a bunch of military guys and their commenters, who have been writing about this since LTC Strobl first made public his journal.
In May.
Taking Chance was captivating for every moment of its all too short run time. What a joy to see respectful, caring people, unburdened with liberal cynicism and contempt.
Thanks, Maggie.
Thanks for the heads up, as I will find this movie. And a heartfelt thanks to all of those who served. And to my Dad, who did and never mentioned it again.
RIP Dad
J.R. thanks for telling us about the movie. I was going to skip it, assuming it was typical Hollywood. What a heart ripping film. Makes you very sad, but at the same time, it makes you very proud of the great people who defend this country.
Bacon normally does really well in his military roles, as far as military bearing goes.
I don't have HBO so I'll have to wait until its on DVD or PPV. I read about it over at Blackfive.
I was really looking forward to this movie and it did not disappoint. A very moving experience which restores your faith in Americans.
I am a long time HBO subscriber and I am amazed how bad a rap it has amongst conservatives. While it is certainly _not_ a conservative network, they do have a decent amount of content that right-leaning folks can enjoy and appreciate. This film is but one example.
For those of you who were preconditioned to write off HBO, I'd say to give it another chance. Yeah, they have some ultra-liberal stuff. But, it's not everything and you only have to watch the programs that you like.
We also saw the movie in real time in 2004 when our grandson was escorted home. Brought it all back. Kevin Bacn and the entire cast did a great job.
I, too, was very skeptical of this film, but was stunned at how respectfully and unpretentiously it was presented. Bravo to all who were involved.
I belong to a group who support the Troops each and every Saturday, in a town in PA where there is a peace protest as well, right across the street from us.. http://americansheepdogs.com/
We had a viewing of this movie's debut last Saturday night, and there wasn't a dry eye in the house. We are comprised of Blue Star Moms, Veterans, family members of Soldiers and regular citizens, and this movie touched us all!
Kudos to HBO for producing one truly good movie this year!
My wife and I made a point of watching the premiere showing. This should have been in theaters. The Wall Street Journal's review described Bacon's acting as economical and a flawless performance. Couldn't tell you what economical acting means, but I agree with the flawless part. Tears welling up in both our eyes by the end. Watch the movie till the very end. This would be worth getting HBO for.
If only. Movie companies seems to thrive on making movies nobody watches. If production companies were really interested in making money, our theaters would be full of movies like "The Passion", "Taken", or "Casablanca." The industry in recent history has a habit of ignoring its consumers. See Dr. Ted Baehr's posting today.
This movie was okay, but 'Milk' was better. So was 'Che.'
Jiffy
This movie was okay, but 'Milk' was better. So was 'Che
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
There's always one in every crowd. Sorry you felt the need to compare "Milk" and "Che" to Chance Phelps. Most of us would agree there is NO comparison!!
I served. In another unpopular war long ago. But some Americans – no, most Americans, are grateful for our military. As the adage goes, the US Government didn't cash my check I signed over; just lucky I guess. But now, when I am on the USS Midway carrier museum here in San Diego doing my docent thing, you can't believe how many handshakes and thank-you's I get all day – just for having served my country. As one gent was shaking my hand, he said he didn't know if I had ever been thanked back then, but wanted to do so now. Thank a Vet today, or tomorrow, or whenever you have the chance. You might not later. Great job, HBO. Thank you.
Will have to rent the DVD; HBO is not on my list of things to renew… still, isn't it interesting that this was released AFTER the election? It was in the can some months ago… kind of like "The Great Raid' which Hollyweird sat on for years, afraid it would give Bush a bump. Better to make 'Rendition 1, 2, and 3'… make sure you get 'W' out just in time for the elections…
dcase, you have a point. Part of the movie was filmed in Ennis Montana, a wonderful little town we vacation in every summer. The movie was made in 2007, so I wonder what the hold-up was as well. I agree it probably would have been shown much sooner had it been anti military. Interesting that Kevin Bacon, who is anti Bush, war, and to some extent military, would take on such a role. I hope playing Col Strobl softens his heart just a little. He did a fabulous job.
So you're the one who watched those two movies! I was wondering who it was.
Well, I cried through the whole viewing. Being familiar with the social environment involved, I can say unabashedly that this film was as genuine and "real to life" as ever I've seen. Which means, it captures, genuinely, the endearing and poignant presence of what it means to be an American for many of us. I agree with what "cowgirlup" just wrote, also — if Bacon was in any way touched by the character he portrayed and the story involved (specifically, with the fallen heroes and their families), that he might have, hopefully, gained greater understanding and consideration for why it is that our nation is worth fighting for when need be (and President Bush recognized that need, as does our military, all who serve). It's a very well done film.
I haven't seen the movie. I was the chaplain at the Battalion Aid Station when Phelps was brought in. I said the prayers over him before we zipped him up to send him home. I remember what he looked like then.
He was on detached duty from 3/11 as part of the escort for a general and they'd been visiting us (2/2) for a few days. They got hit by an ambush bringing the general to another unit. They ended up all coming back to us – several wounded, mostly minor, and Phelps. That was Good Friday, 9 April 2004. Our entire BN was engaged that day and the next two. You know, in those old stories of battles and the way they talk about blood flowing in rivers? I walked out from the area where I'd just prayed over Phelps to see a crew repairing and cleaning the Humvee he'd just come back in…
Forgive me. I'm rambling. I saw the first name and didn't think about it until I saw that it was Phelps. I remember enough. Don't think I'll see the movie.
God bless you, EBV – I think there are many who understand you opting out of viewing this film. A grateful nation thanks you.
God Bless you, EBV! I remember while watching "Black Hawk Down" a scene just as you described …. cleaning the Humvee after returning to base camp. It was hard to watch then, I can't imagine what it must be like to see in real life. May the Lord continue to bless you and I thank you for your service.
i purposely avoided this movie at first as i incorrectly assumed it would be another anti-war hbo special. however, it was extremely uplifting and powerful. the portrayal of the american public's reverance toward the military was suprisingly refreshing. make the time to watch.
I watched this last night. Being a viet nam era vet between 1972 and 1975 and being treated as we were, I was heartened to see the real America and the way they respond accordingly to our troops. Alot has changed since then and alot has stayed the same. The interesting thing about all the tears that flowed last night was that I wasn't sad for their loss but realized I was humbled by Chance's dutiful and honorable lot he accepted without a hitch. These brave (brave is NOT said lightly here) men and women have proven themselves over many times in the past 6 years. I truly wish the fellow travelers of radical islam (liberals) would wake up, alas they are but children of a much younger age and don't understand self sacrifice just what THEY want and nothing more. THAT is what I mean when I say things of a certain nature DON'T change and haven't since the 60's. Poor pitiful people they are.
"I’m often particularly aware of how other actors carry themselves when called upon to portray Marines. Military bearing is not something that can be obtained from the wardrobe department. Kevin Bacon did an outstanding job portraying Strobl. He performed his role with the silent strength that we’ve come to see in many of the members of our military."
Interesting, I recall being impressed with Kevin Bacon's small performance as a Marine in "A Few Good Men" for the same reason. Genuinely seemed to have the demeanor and "air" of a Marine.
I gave up on HBO years ago, but not for political reasons. They started showing more of their own material (series or movies) and that's not what I wanted. When widescreen movies started being released on VHS and then DVD, I decided to drop it. Anything worthwhile (thanks to those who pass along recommendations such as "Taking Chance") will end up on DVD so I don't regret my decision.
I just put "Taking Chance" into my Netflix queue. I persuade everyone who has seen this movie to comment over at HBO or at the producer's website if they have one. Hopefully they'll get lots of great comments and continue to produce great films like this. As soon as I've seen it, I will comment there as well.
I'm not a huge Kevin Bacon fan but I'll give this film a try. It sounds like one of those rare films that everybody should take the time to watch.
http://the100mostannoyingthings.blogspot.com/
IronMike…went to HBO website and can't see where to email them….help?
Bravo, well said.
I've never cried so much during a movie in my life. It wasn't that it was saddest movie ever, although it was a sad movie. It was because of how proud I am to be a first generation American. Because many marines put their lives on the line for the land that they love. Because of how touching it was to see the tremendous amount of respect that everyone gave to the fallen soldier as well as his escort every step of the way. I was just so impressed by the way they treated the fallen soldiers. I was moved by every civilian who showed kindness and gratitude throughout his journey home, and there were quite a few of them. (I'm actually tearing up just thinking about it right now.) A country that takes such care and treats their fallen with so much respect is the country that I'd want to die for. This tradition is one that must never change.
A movie like this one makes many other films and the Academy look exactly the way they are: Fake. This is the real deal and it's a must see!
I second that.
HBO pissed me off a few years ago when they canceled their 3rd season of "Rome." It's either about the cost of the series or that it was approaching the Jesus era and they didn't want to go there. That was my favorite show EVER.
But "Taking Chance" was a home run! Well done HBO.
Well, THANK YOU and all military men and women for your service!
[...] State of Confusion: Obama Speech Review A non-Political, and high quality, Iraq War movie — Taking Chance Media Credibility in Meltdown Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)Middle Tennessee Tea [...]
http://www.hbo.com/apps/submitinfo/contactus/subm...
go here to send emails to HBO Films.
It's my honor to serve.
(I remembered!)
[...] A Glowing Review for “Taking Chance” February 25, 2009 Posted by Jehuda in Uncategorized. Tags: Entertainment, Film, News, TV trackback And from a Marine: Taking Chance Delivers Moving Tribute. [...]
http://boards.hbo.com/category/Hbo-Films-Taking/2...
This is also a discussion board on the HBO/Taking Chance site that I was told by a marketing person at HBO is read very carefully. If anyone wants to post something here, they definitely read it.
What a stunning film ! Only four times more viewers than Ms Pelosi's little videoslam ? Wait until the final numbers are in ? This needs more exposure.
Thanks, just sent them a lengthy e-mail.
Ah yes, a "beautiful tribute" to a man who died "serving his country" after being sent into war under false pretenses.
Ah yes you freakin moron Rob…..I believe your existence is based on false pretenses ya whack. Liberaltards like this guy have no earthly idea what it means to sacrifice. NONE! I now know what people meant when they would say Love it or LEAVE it. I am convinced that is the only way with these re-treads.
Funny how liberal filmmakers, operating with an agenda, have sabotaged themselves and their ability to make greater profits. Here you have a movie that many who call themselves conservative, really enjoyed. I watched the movie twice and cried more than once. Liberal filmmakers can't get conservatives in the theater because we have come to know their deeper intentions and when they do make a movie that we enjoy and appreciate, a much smaller profit goes to them because they needed HBO to make it. I love the irony.
On DVD May 19th according to dvdactive.com.
http://www.dvdactive.com/news/releases/taking-cha...
Thanks.
JRHead — Right the f#@k on. I loved this movie — and that surprised me. I launched into about ten minutes after it started…and I could not look away. I kept trying to change to something else, cuz it seemed to be moving so slowwwww… and then I just became hypnotized by it. And realized that the PACE was actually a character in the film. and that I was getting comfortable with the pace, and that the slow pace was absolutely necessary to let this wonderful and moving story unfold. Great review, dude! And Sembr Fi to you!
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