Annapolis (2006)

I don't care what any of the reviews say I liked this movie. I mean its "An Officer and a Gentleman" vs. "Rocky" how could you not have a good time with it. Plus we a get a very hunky looking James Franco giving his all and several Rocky-esque training montages, which saves this mediocre movie, to a degree.Annapolis a military sports drama and very reminiscent of An Officer And A Gentleman; following a blue collar ship builders son who promises his dying mother he'll make it to Annapolis Naval Academy, and does. Barely. The movie follows his struggles with his un-supportive father and his adversary training commander, Lt. Cole (Tyrese Gibson), who pushes him to the limit (in a very Lou Gossett way) to see if he's got what it takes.'Jake' finds solace in a boxing competition where he'll go against the best fighters in the Navy along with support from his roommate, a congressman who believes in him (Donnie Wahlberg) and his girlfriend.The romance angle here was just silly but I did enjoy the storyline with his roommate (although again very reminiscent of 'Officer') Ultimately this is clichéd and mediocre but I still had a good time watching it. 11/20/12

In the boxing ring, men flock to see hunky James Franco (as Jake S. Huard) strut his six-pack abs. He also works as a ship-welder for his father, but Mr. Franco would rather join the Navel Academy at "Annapolis". Franco gets his wish when Donnie Wahlberg (as Lieutenant Burton), a self-described "36-year-old out-of-shape lieutenant," who can be caught ogling Franco in the opening fight, pulls some strings to get Franco signed up. Franco, who "came straight here from high school," meets Tyrese Gibson (as Commander Cole) in the ring, makes goo-goo eyes at pretty superior officer Jordana Brewster (as Ali), and trains to be a better boxer.Other than seeing handsome Franco's bugling muscles, you may not think Justin Lin's "Annapolis" is worth watching. The story is ordinary to a fault, and clichéd beyond hope. But, it's not too poorly produced. And, you can see how supporting and featured players can make something out of an assignment - going to the head of the class is Vicellous Shannon (as Marcus "Twins" Nance), who does an exemplary job with his character. Sporting more fat than muscle, Mr. Shannon milks every drop out of his script, without overdoing it, and takes the title "Best Supporting Actor" in a film that will wasn't ever going to win any awards.**** Annapolis (1/27/06) Justin Lin ~ James Franco, Tyrese Gibson, Vicellous Shannon, Jordana Brewster

I love Military movies...mostly because my dad is an Officer in The Marine Corps, and I have been on various bases, and even visited Anapolis on a school trip. So whenever I do watch military movies, my dad always tells me what was done right and wrong. This movie does make the military's teaching methods look bad. Because of the hazing, racism, etc. The similarities to OAAG (Officer and A Gentleman) are insane and annoying!Especially because I L-O-V-E OAAG! I've seen it dozens of times so I guess that's why I noticed so much..lolBelow are my findings in OAAG similaritiesINCLUDES SPOILERS------>-You have the African American superior officer who happens to be a Marine. -Your best friend commits suicide (or at least tries) because of pressure from family to do great also because of lack of empathy from superior officer -recruit gets in ring with SO -there is the "local bar" everyone goes to when on liberty -love interest also hangs at bar -main character has Daddy's love issues and mother is dead.. -main recruit gets no mail from anyone..only attention from love interest and bff -recruit has a fighting background from the beginning of the movie that is incorporated into the film. -the character Estrada is sooo Dellasera's clone from OAAG -main character helps another recruit complete obstacle course and has huge embrace with squad after bff finishes course.So above are what I noticed about the similarities..I did catch the movie on TV because nothing else was on, and i always wanted to see this. I never saw the trailer (or don't remember anyway), but like I said I love military movies..Okay and ladies... James Franco will be remembered as MIDSHIPMAN EYE CANDY!!!!!!!!!!Jordana Brewster is NOT a great love interest and their wannabe chemistry is laaaaaaaame and corny! Puleez..she is a horrible actress. On a good note the actor Vic Shannon that plays "twins" is very convincing and you are so relieved that his suicide was unsuccessful..in OAAG you feel bad for Sid dying, but life goes on.I was also surprised that Donnie Walhberg did a great job too..he deserved more screen time and lines. Tyrese was convincing as an asshole SO with a huge ego, but no Foley by far! Hope this helps...I'm writing this on lack of sleep.

We have seen this film before. It a boring compilation of scenes lifted from films like 'An Officer and a gentleman' and 'Rocky'. Every single character is a walking cliché and the whole thing feels predictable. It's not a bad film, just very disappointing. The fault clearly lies with the script. A little more imagination and better craft would have made this film watchable. James Franco is competent but can't rise above the material. As a tribute to the naval academy or a recruiting tool, the film's alright. But it's simply not worth seeing for its own sake. Avoid.Overall 3/10