Movies-TV

Half of film still on floor, needs a re-edit

Man, the stuff that must have been cut out of this film would make a mini-series. The jumps you have to make in the first 45 minutes leave you flat until the end when you get a Hollywood crapola ending.I'm not saying that it is all bad, I think there is probably a pretty decent biography somewhere in this mess. But they should have tried to tighten up the script *before* they started shooting rather than in the editing room. You hardly understand the relationship Brashear starts with his future wife - all of a sudden she's pregnant. What? Meet in the library two scenes later she's late. Ever heard of character development? Hal Holbrook - man - all you figure out about him is that he is a cardboard cutout of a bigot. Brashear saves the day early in the film - another dude gets the medal. What? No explanation. All you get is a surreal scene with the "bad white dude" getting the award and standing alone on the parade ground. What?????The same goes for the relationship between Deniro and Charlize Theron. Charlize shows up in a couple of scenes for a few minutes. I think her total screen time must be 5 minutes. Plus, you don't get the foggiest idea why she's married to Deniro - let alone why she gives him the ultimatum at the end of the film. They looked interesting together, but you could never figure out why they were together or what their problems were. Again, no doubt all of this ended up on the floor instead of the can.This relentless pursuit of "pace" and 90 minutes drives me nuts. Especially in this case when you can't even understand the main plot line because they have dropped so many of the explanatory scenes which no doubt were scripted and probably filmed. Here we had four GREAT actors and millions of dollars and this is the best that can be done?

could have had more deep diving....

Although I gave a rating of "9", my expectations were higher than what the film delivered. I would have been happier had there been more deep diving since I am a diver myself, but it was supposed to portray the life of Carl Brashear and that's what it was about. This film made me angry in the beginning, but happy in the end.

Overdramatized, especially the racism.

I thought the racism and prejudice against Carl Brashear was grossly overdramatized for Hollywood effect. I do not believe the U. S. Navy was ever that overtly racist. I cannot imagine a full Captain, the Commanding Officer, ever telling his Chief to intentionally flunk anyone. Certainly not at the risk of his life. And there has never been a Chief Petty Officer as unabashedly prejudice against everybody but WASPs as DeNiro's character. No Chief as slovenly and drunken as he was played would have ever risen to Master Chief in the first place. Cuba Gooding saved an otherwise badly done movie.

OK crowd-pleaser, based on true events

MEN OF HONOR Aspect ratio: 2.39:1 (Super 35)Sound formats: Dolby Digital / DTS / SDDSThe true story of Carl Brashear, who overcame adversity during an age of segregation to become the first African-American to train as a Master Diver in the US Navy.Old-fashioned tale of triumph over adversity, which just about manages to avoid being either too maudlin or dispassionate. Cuba Gooding Jr. gives an Oscar-calibre performance as Brashear, matching wits with hard-bitten instructor Robert De Niro, who pushes him beyond the limits of endurance, both personally and professionally. De Niro affects a broad southern accent for the role which compromises his interpretation (De Niro can do many things, but a convincing Georgian drawl isn't one of them), and he's quietly upstaged by Charlize Theron as his white trash spouse, ill-at-ease amongst the opulent trappings of Navy life and driven to distraction by De Niro's alcoholism and self-destructive tendencies. Racism and injury are only two of the obstacles Gooding faces along the way (granted, they're pretty big obstacles!), but the happy ending is never in doubt, even for those unfamiliar with Brashear's considerable achievements. Gooding's fine portrayal is a testament to Brashear's courage, and the movie - directed by George Tillman Jr. - is hugely entertaining in its own way, but Scott Marshall Smith's 'inspirational' screenplay sacrifices historical accuracy for crowd-pleasing theatrics at every turn, and as a consequence, the narrative rings more than a little hollow. An impressive roster of co-stars includes Aunjanue Ellis, Hal Holbrook, David Keith, Carl Lumbly and Powers Boothe. Carl Brashear himself makes an uncredited appearance in a nightclub sequence.

robert deniro is da king of making classic movies

even though cuba gooding stars in this film robert deniro acted his butt off as an navy diver who was an addicitive alocholic drinker he was the best diver in the navy who could hold his breathe under water for 5 minutes he had an attractive wife who plays Charlize Theron who tries her best to be their for her difficult husband cuba's acting was equally as good as deniro's this movie takes place in the mid 20 century when racism between whites and blacks was illegally popular even since growning up cuba was out to prove a point that he was the ulimate best no matter what he did he follow his father's advice which was to always work hard and be the best he could b but when joining the navy it was difficult for him to live up to his downlow reput because the navy at the time was only for whitemen not blacks cuba was one of the few black men to break the color barrier of being the only black man to be a navy diver with da help of his strong prety black wife who met her when he was failing in navy skool 2 became a navy diver and officer this movie was based on a true story it inspired me to give it my all no matter how tough da obstacle is

Could have been better!

I agree with Jeff Shannon's review, if this didn't have so much adult language it would have been a great and inspiring film (even with the cliches). But we're left with an R rated film that lot's of kids will miss out on simply because of the language! Superb performances by both actor's though!!!

MEN OF HONOR IS SUPERB!

Even though at times, Men of Honor was a little too melo-drama for my taste, Cuba Gooding Jr. is wonderful as Carl Brashear in this spectacular film starring opposite Robert DeNiro in one of a great performance (as usual)! A breathtaking film that is destined for the OSCARS! Not to be missed!

drowns in a sea of nobility

Nobody in his right mind would disagree with the noble sentiments that inform `Men of Honor.' Celebrating the virtues of courage, heroism and strength of character, as well as the triumph of the underdog over personal adversity and societal racism – who could argue against such inspiring themes and concepts? As such, `Men of Honor' has the built-in potential to be a `feel good' triumph. Unfortunately, the narrative arc that the film travels is so tediously predictable and familiar and the sentiment so heavy-handed and treacly that, much as we may want to like the movie, we find ourselves quickly annoyed and bored by it. This is no reflection on Cuba Gooding Jr. and Robert De Niro, who do their best in two-dimensional, stereotypical roles. But it IS a reflection on the screenplay by Scott Michael Smith, which, although it is based on the true story of one Carl Brashear, the first African American US Navy diver, nevertheless, plays like a hundred other films with similar scenarios. `Men of Honor' just always `feels' like a MOVIE because we already know where it is going long before it gets there. So, essentially, we spend most of the time looking at our watches in the hopes that it will not take too long in completing its mission. The sappy concluding courtroom scene, in particular, has the word HOLLYWOOD stamped all over it – not helped one whit by the saccharine musical score that seems to ooze across the soundtrack from one end of the movie to the other. The movie does deal in a surprisingly frank way with the blatant racism that pervaded the military in the years immediately following Truman's forced integration of the forces. But don't we just know that, despite all the hostility he faces, Brashear will prove himself to be the most courageous, most noble and most technically skilled diver around – easily showing up all the Doubting Thomases in the process, including the by-now-inevitable stock military villain who seems to have devoted his career to standing in the way of this one man's success and progress? Brashear also turns out to be the most generous of spirit among the men in that he easily forgives the trespasses of those who trespass against him. What can we in the audience do but wile away the time till all this happens? At first blush, De Niro's Leslie `Billy' Sunday, may seem to be a more complex character. After all, he defies the military rules so much that even the Navy is forced to demote him to the position of training officer.
Yet, in a way, this is just the typical De Niro role – heavy on bluster, sarcasm and macho posturing, all merely hiding the sweet humanitarian and egalitarian lurking right below the brash surface.Even the underwater diving sequences, which turn out to be the primary reason for watching the film, seem strangely unimpressive. I guess that a man standing almost perfectly still, encumbered by an awkward, heavy diving outfit, doesn't make for particularly exciting action cinema.It's also interesting that the film paints the Navy as consisting almost exclusively of unenlightened racists – then turns around and expects us to get all dewy-eyed and goosepimply when Brashear makes an impassioned speech defending it. `Men of Honor' may be a wonderful film for adolescents to see, for those too young to understand fully just how pervasive racism was in our institutions a mere 40 or 50 years ago. But for those of us who like our dramas a bit less tidy and a trifle more complex in nature, `Men of Honor' doesn't provide us with much to occupy our minds with for the duration of its running time – and precious little to think about after the movie is over.

men of honor

One of the worst movies of all time. Painful to sit through on an airplane!

Heavy on sentiment and quite compelling

The real-life account of Navy diver CArl Brashear Jr.(Cuba Gooding Jr.)and his ascension as a decorated diver and his subsequent struggle with his leg was nearly destroyed in an work-related accident are spelled out in the usual movie line bravado that one expects out of a Military-themed film. Yet,despite the fairly commonplace elements of this movie,this still is a compelling and easy to watch.The struggles for Brashear,a black man trying to make his way up the freshly-desegregated military in the mid-1950s,is hardly an easy task,WITHOUT being compounded by having a difficult and stubborn MAster-chief in one Billy Sunday(Robert DeNiro) riding him to the point of quitting. Through it all,he perseveres and accomplishes,even as everyone--his love Jo(Aunjaunae Ellis),his peers,his superiors(including Sunday)--and even his own body work against him.Director George Tillman Jr. understands that his audience wants a straightforward "underdog story" and runs this film accordingly. This film is a great story to tell,so long as the audience is willing to allow itself to be swept up in the story emotionally and fully. A good ,maybe great,cheap rent.

Great Movie To Rent!

I am shocked that this movie had not been rated by a single person yet. This movie is terrific. I would say if you liked A Few Good Men with Tom Cruise, you will enjoy this movie. It is also based on a true story which makes it even better.

The Best movie EVER!!!!!

Nothing has made me more proud to be in the Navy than this movie. It so inspiring and truthfull to the old days of the Navy, and the struggle that the minorites had with adversity. This movie proudley depicts the life of Master Diver Master Chief Carl Brashear(Cuba Gooding Jr.), and a strong hearted and hard headed salty old Master Chief Billy Sunday(Robert De Niro)who fights/helps Brashear to fight for his dreams. I went to see this movie 3 times in the theater, and every time the place was packed to the point that we had people standing in the isle to see it. It is a must see and must to add to you collection!!!!!!

What Mettle defines Honor?

I was really impressed by this full-frame edition. This story takes place at a transitional time in history when men, real men, were measured by their mettle not their color. At least that was the way it was supposed to be. I really like this film. It's not flashy and has a good old-fashioned look and feel about it. Cuba Gooding Jr. enters the Navy with all good intentions but the lingering effects of a segregated military, even though recently abolished, weigh heavy on him. Military traditions good or bad are hard to break. Robert De Niro plays a Southern bigoted washed up Master Chief in charge of training at the U.S. Navy's diving school. Ordered by commanding officer Hal Holbrook to fail Gooding, De Niro begins to learn the real meaning of honor as shown by Gooding's determination and perseverance at insurmountable odds. Perhaps Gooding's conduct possibly rekindled in De Niro the recognition of those qualities that defined and are the very essence of honor in De Niro's burdened psyche. This film has much more to say than what seems apparent, but the images will linger with you.

An Honorable Movie

The title Men of Honor was chosen perfectly for this movie, for the acting by Robert De Niro and Cuba Gooding Jr. was certainly honorable. In the time of racial discrimination between black and white, Carl (Cuba Gooding Jr.) has something to prove. He wants to become a Master Diver, something only white people had been able to do. Through all the taunting, and all the discrimination, Carl never quits. He works hard, and works to be the best. Everyone tries to make him quit, but Carl is not a quitter. Robert De Niro is the diving coach, basically, and he tries to send Carl home. But he learns a lesson or two, as many audience members will probably learn. It isnt the color of someone's skin that makes them special, but their talents and who they are inside. Men of Honor was a powerful movie, with excellent acting and directing. I give it five stars, and would give it more if it was possible. This movie is not for little children to see, but teens, preteens even, and adults will surely find this movie enjoyable, and worth their time.

My type of movie

I loved this film, and so I had to run out and buy thr DVD...

Gooding Jr. and Di Nero were fantastic, as were the other supporting actors. And for once, I didn't feel short changed in the conclusion of the film. It was over at just the right time.

Di Nero plays the role of a diving instructor/mentor to Gooding, the first African American to be permitted into Navy diving school in its history. As you can imagine, its a story of perserverence, emotional and physical. I can't imagine someone not enjoying such a film.

Go Cuba, Go Rob; You are the men

I have always been a huge fan of Robert DeNiro, and Cuba Gooding Jr. and I loved this movie too. It is a very inspiring film, and I feel that there may be a couple of Oscar Nominees here. Anybody wondering about this film, GO SEE IT. You won't be disappointed at all. Two thumbs up people.

Great movie!

This was a great movie. It's based on a true story. It's kinda sad knowing that. Anyway I think that everyone should watch it.

well-made

If anyone wanted to know the definition of academy award performances; they can look no further than those given by Robert DeNiro and Cuba Gooding Jr. If someone wanted the definition of an academy award film; they can look no further than "Men of Honor." I was honored to be a witness to one of the greatest films ever made.Words cannot describe the way I felt while watching "Men of Honor" because it is one of the most courageous, emotional and touching films I've seen since "Saving Private Ryan." Along with "The Perfect Storm" and "Pay It Forward," "Men of Honor" is an example of a film which made me feel good on the inside as well as the outside. Furthermore, this film is true testament to the courage and bravery men and women like Carl Brashear show in the line of duty."Men of Honor" is one of the finest films I've seen in the past year because it has two of the best actors and the best ensemble cast since "The Perfect Storm." "Men of Honor" CANNOT be missed under any circumstances because it is a testament to the human spirit and one man's unrelenting quest to accomplish his dream."Men of Honor" profiles the life of the first black navy diver and his inspirational, courageous, and unrelenting quest in becoming the best navy diver in the United States by achieving the status of master diver. Carl Brashear is the true definition of an American hero because he embodies unwillingness to give up in the face of hard times. It was a true pleasure and inspiration to watch "Men of Honor" because it afforded me the opportunity to learn a valuable history lesson; the knowledge I gained from this film will stay with me for life."Men of Honor" is a film that boasts one of the greatest compellation of talent in Hollywood. Hollywood's intimidator Robert DeNiro leads this all-star cast that includes Cuba Gooding Jr., Charlize Theron, Anjunue Ellis, David Keith, Michael Rappaport and Hal Holbrook. It didn't take long to draw my first conclusion from "Men of Honor;" the ensemble cast brought home the true spirit and essence of one man's fight to be respected and treated as an equal. For this reason, "Men of Honor" has the BEST ensembles of the year.Only one outcome can come when DeNiro stars in a film; only one outcome supercedes all others when DeNiro film hits theaters. Excitement and success are the outcomes that make my heart skip a beat with anticipation. When I hear the Robert DeNiro's name being mentioned as part of a cast, I will be the first person in line to buy tickets because I know exactly what the outcome will be. His film credentials include some of the best films ever made. DeNiro brings so much to each role including intensity, intelligence, honesty and character. Without a shadow of doubt, DeNiro's greatest quality that he brings to "Men of Honor" is character. His performance as Billy Sunday is his best in his career because he puts his whole heart and soul into this film.From "What Dreams May Come" to "As Good As It Gets," Gooding's repertoire grows and his star is sure to stay on the rise. With his stage presence, talent, class, honesty and sophistication, Gooding rises to the top of his class and becomes one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood.Gooding's role as Carl Brashear is one of the most inspiring and uplifting performances I have ever come across on film. His screen presence, honesty and class add credibility to this film and to the portrayal of Carl Brashear. Utilizing incredible sensitivity, Gooding captures the spirit of his character with little effort and great success. It is with roles like Carl Brashear that will win him many academy awards and a bright future in film."Men of Honor" is a beautifully crafted, well-acted masterpiece that will leave everyone with smiles on their faces. DeNiro and Gooding come together as one to make a movie, which is a true testament to the human spirit and courage. I'm very honored to have been in the audience when viewing "Men of Honor" and now the owner of the DVD of the film because it pays tribute to a true American hero. Most of the credit must be given to the writers for creating a screenplay with rich quality and adding depth to the characters. It is great to watch a film that allows the viewer to see each character in the film developed to the fullest as "Men of Honor" did.This film is most likely the greatest 'based on a true story' film that has been made in America. It ranks right up on top with "The Hurricane," "Titanic," "Saving Private Ryan" and "U-571." This is a masterpiece that should not be overlooked. I hope everyone gets the chance to see "Men of Honor" as it truly is a remarkable film. I hope everyone watches "Men of Honor" because it is one of the most inspirational films boasting an ensemble cast.

A Must See Movie

From start to finish, "Men of Honor" left me feeling inspired. The cast (Cuba Gooding Jr., Robert DeNiro and Charlize Theron) was stellar, the performances brilliant, in all, the movie could not have been better. The fact that this movie of human perseverance and bravery was based on a true story is amazing. I'm just surprised the movie did not get an academy award or nomination. I chalk it up to bad timing of the release.

Comments on The message of Men of Honor

This story is a tale of inspiration and perseverance. It is a true story though the character played by Robert De Niro didn't exist in real life. This story is a story that inspires a lot of people to do things they have been oppressed and hindered to do. It reaches out the people who have dreams they want to fulfill and have had 'stumbling blocks' on their way and through it all the succeeded and fulfilled the heart's desires.Racism has been a continuous problem in the world. It has hindered a lot of talented people to fulfill greatness. These people are not only black people, but the people named "minorities", such as Hispanics, Asians, and a lot more. This movie speaks to a lot of these undermined people telling them to persevere, because even though there are 'stumbling blocks' believe in yourself and not what others tell you. The character, Carl Brashear, played by Cuba Gooding Jr., portrays the behavior of a man who believes in himself, even though he was educationally challenged, because he dropped out of school in the seventh grade to help his family on the farm, he didn't let that stop him from achieving his goal. He worked day and night to prove himself worthy to be a diver and in the process met his future wife. That is what people need to understand, to achieve goals and dreams; one must work very hard to prove that it is truly deserved. Once again, his relentless acts of perseverance, is shown in the scene in the bar where he enters a holding of breath contest with his Master Chief Petty Officer, Billy Sunday, which is the endearing role played by Robert De Niro. He won this contest and set a record for the amount of time of holding breath, which was previously held by Robert De Niro.I was highly impressed and touched by this movie because it is the epitome of 'grass to grace'. It gives hope to those who are in the same classification as the character Carl Brashear. It relates to the real life crises people face and how they overcome them. At the beginning, Cuba Gooding Jr. starts with no friends and no support system. And it comes to a captivating close where he ends with his dream being fulfilled. Carl Brashear is the embodiment of courage and perseverance. Through out the movie he constantly proved himself worthy and came out on top. He saved lives and made history. And though his leg was amputated, he walked in a diving suit that weighed tons, with the support of only his good leg. That last scene of the movie gained my respect for the character and the real man who endured all this hardship.I would rate the directing average because there are certain points in the movie that were never addressed, such as the past life of Billy Sunday. The director didn't do much to make sure the movie's visualization related to the audience.I rate this movie an eight out of ten because the directing could have been a lot better than it was. I enjoyed this movie and I would recommend it to anyone who was going through trials and tribulation.