Memorial Day (2011)

First, this movie is not for the scoffers, or the jaded, over-privileged film aficionados out there. It is a story of real honor, duty, sacrifice, and friendship. There are few left who have a heart to appreciate such a story, as evidenced by the shamefully low rating it has received here. James Cromwell is superb as usual, and his son John is a good match to play him as a younger man. The profound aspect in this film is its accurate depiction of the pain, pride, and regret of war. Most of us who have had war vets in our families have never heard stories like these, because most war vets either refuse to talk about them, or else those who could listen to their stories are repulsed and unwilling to. There is scarce empathy for those who have served us by engaging in the brutality that is war. Most of us would rather pretend that war is a bad dream that will go away if we refuse to acknowledge it. But those who have gone through the real fires of war have no such option. They must carry it with them for the whole of their lives. The price they paid for our safety and way of life is a fact of their existence that they cannot escape. This film will help you understand a profound truth, if you will open yourself to understand the terrible but inescapable truth of what war is. There is evil in the world, and it must be fought without reservation. Even the pacifists should understand how much they inescapably owe to those whose actions they so vehemently disdain. The undeniable truth is that the horrors of war require only one aggressor; that is why we must always fight when necessary in order to remain morally good.The one who cowers in safety during wartime cannot escape this legacy, any more than the war vet can.

First and foremost let me preface this review by saying I love independent films and war films. This film has four main actors, and they all did a marvelous job making their characters extremely believable and real. But, what makes this movie unmistakably good is that it makes you feel. There is no way you can not watch this movie and not feel for the grandfathers condition, or the trials and tribulations that that Kyle Vogel, and Bud Vogel. But, maybe most importantly this film forces us to look at what war is. This film shows that regardless of how much war has changed, in many ways it has not changed. There is still death, loss, and moral struggles. That at some point we all must come to terms with. This is a movie that I would recommend with flying colors, but I am skeptical of this movies re-watch value because once the moral issues have been lay-ed out there is not much else to this movie.

I really enjoyed the movie, and appreciate a war film thats family friendly and sparks conversation. Memorial Day gave a touching portrayal of how serving our country touches us all... The men and women who serve, the ones waiting at home, the mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, kids, grand kids, and friends. As a fan of James Cromwell, what a treat to see his son - a spitting image- play him as a young man (great actor too). Great to Finally watch a war movie that goes beyond the battlefield scenes. As someone who has family who are Veterans of WWII, Korean, Vietnam, and Iraq (big family), I plan to go back and ask those still living about what's in their footlocker. Maybe the answers will help us in a way that provides insight, healing, and connection. Great movie, and not just for war-buffs or Veterans. Well done!

Unlike many war films, this film does more than just portray events and effects of active duty. This film goes further than blood and bullets.is a film which embraces family, and intertwines the family aspect into war. This film is (excuse the cliché) one-of-a-kind. Bennett does an excellent job portraying a young, determined soldier. James and each do an outstanding performance and really tie movie together, really embracing the feel of family (even though they both portray same character but in different times). I highly recommend this film to ANYBODY. Whether you like war films or not, this movie is more than that. This movie, in a way, is every genre. Horror: giving realization of war events and after effects. Suspense: it keeps you on edge of your seat-- it keeps you wanting more. Comedy: some cute quotes which lighten mood after enthralling dramatic scenes. Family: it brings together a sense of love and support. And Romance: in a way, it is a love . You just have to open your heart to hear it.Ten out of ten cannot describe the quality and love that this movie is composed of.