Thank You for Your Service (2017)

Many of the negative reviews for this film were clearly written by people who expected a war movie, which this most certainly is not. What it is, however, is a mostly unfiltered peek into the emotional battle returning combat veterans continue to wage for years or even decades following their tours. Having served 3 tours of combat, I feel I can at least bring some relative perspective to the film. From a technical perspective some of the dialogue was contrived, some lines forced and awkward, and it plays into a few stereotypes I felt were gimmicky. Specifically the portrayal of the 2 officers who seemed almost oblivious and even cartoonish. In real life, despite the popular jokes of the enlisted force, officers care deeply for the well-being of their troops and are generally attuned to at least their basic needs. But beyond the minor technical weaknesses, the story itself was extremely moving. There were myriad nuances and subtleties that may have escaped the notice of non-veterans or may not have had the same impact, but those little bits are what made the movie for me. I watched the movie on a cross-country flight so not the best environment but I found myself choked up during certain scenes that, had I had a little more privacy, would have devolved into a much more dramatic show of emotion because the movie expressed things I have been unable to myself. I don't have PTSD, but when I watched the movie the pain of my memories was brought sharply into focus and I connected with the characters in a way less common in other films. I think the film did exactly what it was intended to do. Not entertain, but incite. Incite anger at a system that sends men & women into intolerable situations then fails to provide adequate support when they come home broken. Incite sympathy for the hundreds of thousands left unsupported including their families. And shine a light on a problem that will affect American society for decades if not properly addressed.

It's 2007. Adam Schumann (Miles Teller) and his squad return home from Iraq. It's been a difficult tour and each one faces his own demons. Adam's wife Saskia (Haley Bennett) is desperate to help him but he's unwilling to open up to her. Upon arriving, he's accosted by Amanda Doster, the wife of his dead comrade.First, thank you for your service. There is always a problem when the movie starts with "Inspired by". It couldn't even be "Based on". For a fake story, it needs to be more concentrated. It rambles around with too many characters. Miles Teller does some good work as well as the other actors. The PTSD stories are individually compelling but the plot is lacking. The telling is flat as the audience waits for the inevitable reveal at the end. I would be more drawn in if the movie stays with Teller and Bennett. I find compelling moments but the overall viewing experience is less than thrilling.

This was a really powerful movie to watch and it has a lasting impact on the viewer. The acting and story and directing are all really well done and it really shows the tragedy of after-effects of the war. I give 'Thank You for Your Service' a 8/10

We need to do better. That's the moral of this movie about soldiers returning from combat.They seek help and none is given. Some is given too late.Everyone should see this.