The film was better than I thought, and got really into it. But for me the ending was a flop. It just seemed rushed, like they had to cut it off. I don't understand movies doing that! You spend alot of time and money pulling the watcher in, then leave it with a quick ending.. it's so frustrating.
Add a Review
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jack-g-617706 May 2020
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jblue-1138730 August 2019An inspirational feel good story about an injured army guy over coming odds. How can you not enjoy a show like that? I've seen worse acting, plots and movies on blockbuster films, so slow your roll on leaving the bad reviews. See the movie and leaving feeling good. :)
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kuna16-423-3768823 October 2020Good premise for a movie. But it's obviously not written by a motorcross rider. Good to see the military and motorcycles spoke of in high regard. This movie introduces VetMX and shows some of the veterans. Overall a good movie.
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nogodnomasters7 September 2019Marshall Bennett (Michael Roark) raced dirt bikes, joined the army, rode bikes, got blown up and didn't ride bikes. Doctors told him not to ride bikes or he might never walk. Ignoring the professional advice of several doctors, needing to pay the mortgage on the family farm because Trace Adkins knows nothing about irrigation, he races which his wife hates and then loves.
He races against the evil Walker brothers whose characters were never developed. It was a bad Lifetime type of film.
Guide: No sex or nudity. No swearing that I recall. -
On a weekend before a holiday, sometimes the movies run a little dry and this weekend seems to be following that trend. Tonight's movies is about Bennett's War. Have not heard of it? Don't worry, neither had I and if it had not been for a poster in my theater this film would have escaped my attention. So what is this little advertised movie hold under the hood? That's where I come in with the hopes of giving some observations to help you decide if you want to make or break the bank seeing it. Let's get cracking as we look into:
Movie: Bennett's War (2019)
Director: Alex Ranarivelo Writer: Alex Ranarivelo Stars: Michael Roark, Trace Adkins, Ali Afshar
LIKES:
Short Run Time Decent Acting Inspirational Funny At parts Motocross scenes
DISLIKES:
Felt sort of like an incomplete Story Predictable Took a While To Get to Motocross Scenes Masked as An Army Flick A Little More Character Involvement needed
Summary:
A movie like this holds the potential to be an undiscovered treasure or a complete disaster. For the most part this War had some features to it that I certainly found worth their weight in proverbial gold. For one the short run time is nice, allowing for a chance to be a concise tale that was not too diluted by drama and bloated by long, drawn out moments that these unknowns sometimes take. Next up the acting to which the stuntmen themselves probably take first place, but in regards to the actors the podium is taken by Ali Afshar and Allison Paige whose characters turned out to be fun, dynamic groups that took the simplified parts and rode with it. Sure the other characters played their parts, but did not have quite the engaging personality these too did. Now these tidbits aside, the movie is another one of those inspirational flicks that are all about motivating people to face the odds and conquer their obstacles to achieve their dreams. It uses the parlor tricks of a deep soundtrack, close camera angles, and the just the right amount of writing and acting to sell the scene and try to get some goosebumps stirring up. Yet, the movie does not become a sob fest much to the chagrin of those looking for the latest religious drama. Bennett's War manages to integrate some humor into the mix, primarily through Afshar's character who like Jughead out of Archie Comics knows how to say the right thing at just the right time. The biggest selling point though is the motocross scenes that are just waiting to fill the theater with the high definition sounds of the motor bikes. The movie really harps on the dirt busting goodness of the sport and while it seems out of place, brings the excitement and bang that sports movies accomplish, especially when accompanied by some heavy rock. The montage approach may be a little limited and cutting corners, but the two biggest races manage to find the balance and stride we love to see.
However, the movie sort of shows its limitations fairly well, more so in the form of the story telling itself. For one thing it's predictable, with too many of the haphazard tricks given away to show what is coming. The writing, the foreshadowing, and the obvious overdramatized components that attempt to mislead do little to waiver one from the path. Second, the film is masked as an army story either in the form of war itself or the recovery from the battles they face. The opening uses the army as a means to explain the situation, but after that much of the army story is placed in storage for the sports path of the movie. If the false advertisement does not get you, then perhaps the character involvement will get you instead. Bennett's war both accomplishes and fails to integrate all its characters in the fact that nearly every character serves its place, yet does not have the full-on inclusion I think they were looking for. Adkins character in particular seemed to offer a lot more potential, but sort of crashed out like a second-string country song. The wife hits her moments but yet sort of beats around the bush and becomes a ploy for girl power instead of the aspect I enjoyed the most from her. And as for another character, integrated at a decent moment, but then again lost to the wind. Perhaps this is due to the motocross scenes which get a large amount of screen time than you might expect. While I do rather enjoy these moments, the film sometimes sacrifices too much to get them in there. Sometimes it was character development/story, and other times not enough heat in the races, but Bennett's War is one of those I would have liked to see expand on more and find the balance I've seen these movies accomplish. Which brings me to the final point that the movie feels almost incomplete. This war is more about the writers struggling to figure out the movie it wants to tell, patriotic pride and faith for healing or potentially a sports action movie to hopefully get bikes out into the business. It's this spin that although enjoyable could have struck a fine glance to deliver the full tale it wanted.
The VERDICT:
Overall, Bennett's War has some solidly entertaining components that should potentially rope in a few groups this labor day weekend. It's inspirational, funny without trying too hard, and filled with dirt bike goodness that caters to a broader audience and sort of capture the heart of the movie Motocrossed from the Golden Age of Disney. Yet, the film suffers from an indecisiveness of trying to cater too many, masking as a potential army ranger recovering and struggling (aka American Sniper) on poster, but delivering a sports movie instead. Again, I had fun with this movie, but this amplified version of the DCOM classic needs some more fine tuning or placement on the small screen track to maximize its potential.
My scores are:
Sport: 7.0 Movie Overall: 6.0 -
dmillwasup3 September 2019If youre a movie fan, this is pretty much what youd expect from a film like this; A story, some okay acting, and actually some heartfelt moments that make you feel for the main character. And in that sense its not so bad.
However if youre a true motocross fan, you will be disappointed. Here's why. Theres not even a mention of any current pros names. They literally call them different names and just refer to them as there number. The entire movie was shot at Glenn Helen raceway even though they try to play it off like it wasnt. There are tons of inconsistencies with the dirtbike racing scenes. From GoPro footage that goes from a Honda (red bike) to suzuki (yellow bike) and that hes actually riding a KTM (orange bike) all the way to literally photoshopping over actual pro race footage. Footage from 250 and 450 classes in whats supposed to be the same race. A two stroke at a pro national!? The only bike maintenance required is lubing your chain. And just so many shots that felt so repetitive. I get its not a youtube video, its a movie with a plot, but for a dirtbike movie, its really bad. Not much riding actually in the movie and for a movie about riding dirtbikes. I had low expectations for the acting, but it wasnt so horrible. However i had high hopes for the dirbike portions of the film, and i was disappointed. Maybe one day we'll have a well filmed motocross movie -
pena159221 April 2020If you see the movie, you'll understand. It's not about what you have to do or can do, it's what you want to do and what you have to give to achieve it. Legend has it that in the past they call it effort and tenacity. Only those who know that the important thing is not that you have and that you get it, but how much you give to those you love. For me the pain only reminds me that I must do more, my daughter sees the effort to stand day by day, I help those who can help me and that makes me great. I'm not a Veteran, my admiration and respect, because they went for an idea, a cause, sometimes it seems meaningless until you remember that you had to do in school to maintain respect and power. Some were for the War, some for humanitarian aid, but it was they represent me in my comfort, in mi home. There was no need to go to a desert, I just made a safety mistake, ups!! Two years in a chair and I'm standing and my daughter saw me, she doesn't see someone who gives up, my doctor says the same thing as you, but he doesn't take my helplessness, Sees the movie well and comes back and thinks. It's not Avengers, but for me, it is.
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larrys317 January 2020Predictable and formulaic yet uplifting and heartfelt.
Michael Roark stars as Marshal Bennett, a former motorcross champion, who tries a comeback after suffering a horrific injury as an Army Ranger in Afghanistan. Allison Paige, Ali Afshar, and Trace Adkins add well to the mix in supporting roles.
Overall, the movie is not going to win any Academy Awards but I found it engaging and entertaining. -
sammymg2412 May 2020This movie was so lame that my partner and I laughed so hard the whole way through! Old mate greasing his chain constantly, typical storyline we kept guessing... fun times π
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wendylewis-560431 September 2019I really enjoyed this movie. It has heart and leaves you feeling great at the end. The comic timing of Ali Afshar is GREAT and the motor cross scenes are exciting as you feel like you're in on the action! All around great cast of actors and a wonderful story.
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storer-5482614 May 2020I find it disrespectful of how much they messed up the army's uniform I mean no army tape and his rank was upside down I mean come on
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subxerogravity2 September 2019It's not going to blow anyone's mind but Bennett's war was a solid delivery for a movie. It's a combination of a sports movie and a inspiring tale about living your best life. I can honestly say that I've never seen another movie due motorcross as good as this movie. Well, it's not like it's mind blowing it's just that if you love motorcross this film does it as well as any other. Seen better but... It's a good watchable movie if you have nothing else on the table.
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tadpole-596-9182569 September 2019" . . . to change a light bulb?" Mr. BIG once said that "There's no crying in baseball," but BENNETT'S WAR proves that there is plenty of sobbing when Rangers tackle harrowing household tasks such as illuminating a toddler's bedroom. While every summer film may not be able to pay proper tribute to America's Pastime, MLB seems to be a far more likely place for "Sgt. Bennett" to "man up" than tooling around dirt bike race ruts. Merely being a FAN of a team such as the Detroit Tigers is enough to force ANYONE to grow a pair. Motown ball diamond spectators with pre-existing and credentialed physical challenges are not surprised to find themselves quick-marched down rain-slicked stairways by gun-toting DPD officers in the middle of thunderstorms while play continues uninterrupted on the field!! "Last call" for upper deck rest rooms often precedes the Seventh Inning Stretch, and season ticket holders must plow through a gauntlet of impatiently barking security guards on their way to the post-game "Happy Hour." California Moto Cross is strictly a minor league exercise, compared to the Tiger Ticket Buyer Trials held 81 times every summer in Detroit! No doubt BENNETT'S WAR would end with "Marshall's" Unconditional Surrender if he ever tried to brave the not-so-friendly confines of Motor City Baseball!
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rmepstein-8266618 January 2021Terrible attempt to express the struggles of our military.
Sad, embarrassing effort to showcase motocross.
I can't believe that Redbull, Kawasaki, Lucas Oil, etc allowed their brands to be shown in the garbage movie.
Bad acting. No realism. Cheesy. Poorly done. Carelessness with the military uniforms - disrespectful to service members. -
phisig-319654 September 2019Loved watching this. Makes you think about our veterans and who they were when they left and who they still are when they return. A definite feel good movie with a nostalgic feeling of "Sweep the leg Johnny" bad guy. Would look for another movie with this feel in another sport and give where credit is due.
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jonnybrutal-350-2552627 April 2022Soldier,injured in Afghanistan regains his motorcycle mojo and saves his Dad's farm.
This movie definitely falls into the casual watching territory. It has all the familiar tropes of triumph over adversity but it never really explores anything to any great length. It has a 70's made for TV vibe about it which i found quite endearing .The motocross racing scenes never really get the adrenaline going which is a shame because it's certainly a visually exciting sport. Strapping a go pro to a rider's chest only goes so far. The editing has to be snappy and revealing of the different positions of the riders. The characters in this all had the possibility of being really interesting but they needed to be a little more complete. Underneath all this there's really a rather good movie trying to get out. Put it in the Sunday afternoon watching bracket. -
vpete-0700416 December 2019I had seen the previews to this moving and I had actually forgotten about went to Redbox the other day and saw in the box so I figured I'd pick it up I wanted to see it and see what it was about yes this is a middle-of-the-road movie the formulation is standard fare for a good guy vs bad guy but it's still a wonderful movie well made good shot some of the clips that you see in the movie or wonderful I Trace Adkins did an admirable job playing the father I'm the wife typical I understand but it is a very good movie not a waste of time worth more favorable reviews and negative. Still worth my 10 stars
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Very good movie with great acting and writing. Great to watch during the lockdown. Michael Roark was fantastic.
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ahop211 March 2022The Good: Other reviews have said it. It's a feel good movie, low budget, low-mid pack actors. Yet the story line just works. Predictable? Of course.
But the anti-hero, dark, mind bending, psychobabble, check all the boxes even if you have to churn the dialogue (who cares about dialogue?) out with a word salad generator movies are just over played circa 2022. We can get all the reality TV documentary in real-time by flipping through the news media channels.
The bad: Actually, the dialogue isn't that great. Ugh. It tries to be honest but it's just not well written. I blame the director (easy since he's credited as writer) for that. No excuses like "I had to work with what I had".
The Afghanistan sequences we so unrealistic it was painful. OK. That needed a bigger budget to pull off, but there are cinematic tricks to overcome that. The fact of the main character Marshall's experiences in Afghanistan were important to the plot line, but that could have been conveyed without what ended up cheesy mailed-in scenes.
Marshall's wife Sophie was the worst. First she gives an overstated, thus unrealistic performance in objecting to Marshall racing again, then after a rather weak talking to by her father-in-law (a point in the movie the dialogue need to be emotionally strong) she pivots on a dime to give an equally overstated performance in support of Marshall's return to racing. Allison Paige doesn't appear to be a terrible actress, she was following the written lines and directed on their delivery. There was so much emotional and female audience identifiable red-meat possible in that character that got lost in what left me head-scratching.
Aki Afshar played Cyrus and while his dialogue was sometime fair and sometimes idiotic, I actually saw him as a pretty darn good actor. Likeable and believable when given the chance. I don't know what else he's done but I really could see pulling off some fine acting in a bigger role in a bigger film.
As overstated as the Sophie character was, the lead character Marshall was flat out dull. Perhaps that wasn't the writer/director's fault. Who knows - we don't see the original script after all. But sheesh.
Then other small stuff like the "Walker brothers" open mockery that. Then I guess the movie ran out of time to show how the Walkers ditched Tony (Panterra) such that the fact of it came out of nowhere.
I won't bag on Tony Panterra's acting. He's not expected to be Jack Nicholson playing Tony Panterra. But having his character go from jackass to simply being misunderstood without something motivating it spells cheesy movie and was unfair to both the character and the man playing himself.
I'm not panning this film. I really liked it because it was more fun and simply better than I expected. Hey I gave it 8 stars! And I will probably check out another Alex. Ranavilelo film that when my head's worn out and I'm in the mood for something easy and expected yet at least not going to insult.
I could have watched Bennett's War with my kids and we'd all enjoy it. Frankly that alone justifies an 8 star rating these days, -
wills-fam-1224 July 2022I have not rated many 9's.
Here's why this movie made it to my favorites...
I expected the writing to be predictable--just the opposite!
When I expected the outcome to be one way, it went the other!
To me, this is good writing.
May be the happy ending caused some to rate lower as life does not always have a desired ending.
I was engaged!
I cried!
I laughed!
I ENJOYED... ... ...
See! A movie can be a winner without all that cursing and gore.
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