Monday, April 9, 2018

Movie review: Only the Brave

 
 Based on the true story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, Only the Brave presents the story of 19 elite firefighters who lost their lives battling the lightning ignited Yarnell Hill wildfire in June 2013.

Josh Brolin (Eric Marsh), Miles Teller (Brendan), Jeff Bridges (Duane), Jennifer Connelly (Amanda), James Dale (Jesse), Taylor Kitsch (MacKenzie), Andie MacDowell (Marvel), Geoff Stults (Travis), Alex Russell (Ashcraft), Thad Luckinbill (Norris), Ben Hardy (Wade).

Only the Brave begins with the journey of the 19 men who eventually became the first municipal HotShot crew in the country; the Granite Mountain Hotshots. Driven by a desire the protect their community, the men work tirelessly to achieve their certification, leading them to be the first crew on the lightning ignited Yarnell Hill wildfire in June 2013 outside Prescott, AZ. Which is where, when the wind picked up and drove the fire line toward them, the men lost their lives.

Acting was surprisingly solid in this one. Not much of a Brolin fan, I have to say he did a decent job here. Teller was very good with enjoyable delivery, emotion, and apparent fit with the rest of the cast. Bridges fit his role and did pretty well, while Connelly delivered a strong emotional performance. Kitsch, MacDowell, and the remainder of the supporting cast contributed well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were well done throughout. Use of natural scenery was enjoyable and added a realistic feel to the film. CGI did a good job of representing the intensity of a forest fire and added good depth to the film. Dialogue was solid, as were sound and soundtrack.

Only the Brave is an intense film in many ways. The emotional intensity of the men for their work, struggles outside of work, and the emotional impact of their final hours is impossible to ignore. Those who enjoy reality based films, or have interest in the story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots should enjoy this one quite a bit.

With some mild nudity, sexual references, mild violence, foul language, and intense situations, save this one for teens and above.

Released: 2017
Reviewed: 3.23.18
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Drama, Biography, Drama based on Real Life, Action Drama, Disasters

copyright ©2018 Dave Riedel

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