12 Strong

UK Release Date: 26 January 2018

Certification: 15

Director: Nicolai Fuglsig

Cast: William Fichtner, Chris Hemsworth, Navid Negahban, Michael Peña, Trevante Rhodes, Michael Shannon, Geoff Stults

Rating: 52%

The Declassified True Story of the Horse Soldiers.

Review:

12 Strong is a true story about 12 special forces soldiers who attempted to take down the Taliban in three weeks following the events of 9/11 - a mission that was predicted to take two years.  

The performances are really solid during the course of 12 Strong. Chris Hemsworth is likeable in the lead and it feels that for once he's playing a character who's nothing but a muscle man, instead a character who can be a bit more emotive at times. Michael Peña also impressed, with his limited screen time, as he was able to shift away from his type cast comedic role a little. Similarly, Michael Shannon is also stellar in the role. Saying all that, Navid Negahban stood out. I totally bought that he was an Afghan warlord who could still provide the movie with a huge sense of triumph towards the end. However, the rest of the cast are no more than stereotypical depictions of soldiers in movies, sharing witty jokes and yelling most of the time, it's quite simply mundane. 

One aspect that is greatly unique in 12 Strong is the action. They genuinely rode horseback which does legitimately make sense as they're more nimble than tanks which is a huge advantage. And with air strikes being the primary weapon against the Taliban, it made for huge explosions.  

Although that does mean that it feels like a simple, generic war movie. Huge stakes but minimal tension which I do understand because it's a true story and the movie tried to be as accurate as possible. There's big explosions and a feel good message that both feel like typical Hollywood. And in all honesty there isn't really any emotional connection or impact. 12 Strong is a compelling, interesting watch when it's in full swing but the movie very rarely is, so it does feel stop start in the second act. 

Overall, 12 Strong is a better heroic real life story rather than a great movie.