Act of Valor (2012) Movie Review

***Reader-Submitted Review***

By: Peter Hunter
(Los Angeles, California)

Directed by:
Mike McCoy
Scott Waugh
Written by:
Kurt Johnstad
Starring:
Juha Leppäjärvi - Kevin
Henry Blake - Will
Marcus D'Amico - DS Russell
Victoria Bavister - Lisa
Gerard Monaco - Jeremy
Dorian Black - as Bette Noir
Kristin McIlquham - PC Harris










The plot here is pretty simple and underwhelming, a CIA agent gets kidnapped and an elite team of highly trained Navy SEALs embark on the rescue mission. It's during the rescue mission that an imminent global threat is discovered and so the SEALS embark on a secret operation.

This movie is unusual in that it uses real Navy SEALs, so if you're going in expecting outstanding acting you will be disappointed. What we mostly get is some very stiff and forced dialogue exchange but if you're going into this movie knowing that the acting isn't going to be Oscar worthy then you what you will get is effective and to the point. Where this movie really shines is when the bullets are flying, the action scenes are tense and thrilling and kept a good pace, holding everyone's attention.

I can't say this is the best movie I've seen but it is effectively shot with an eye for authentic detail. I can only say that anyone going into this expecting heavy storyline with great character drama will feel underwhelmed.

Act of Valor is best recommended for actions movie fans and military enthusiasts and servicemen.