Though racist mentalities (and other obstacles)
constantly try to put a stop to Cuba's undying
determination to become a master chief diver; in the
spirit of the Energizer bunny ... Cuba just keeps
going and going and going.
The title "Men of Honor" fades onto the screen
over tremendous waves at high sea. As the waves topple, the brass instruments blare ...
foretelling the melodrama to follow. It's a bit of a
hokie film, but compelling nonetheless.
Headbutting a couple of Navy MP's in the
introductory sequence, De Niro wastes no time in
taking command of the screen. His character is rich
with unpredictability, honor, and rebellion. And of
course, he's an awesome actor. Cuba's character, on
the other hand, offers little surprise after he grows
from a boy into a man who simply will not run out of
battery power until he achieves Navy diver's highest
rank. Cuba's acting is very good, but forever in De
Niro's shadow.
Michael Rapaport, who's been in just about every
release this year (seems like), Forest Gumps his way
into this one as the only white trainee who
sympathizes with Cuba.
I might have really loved this picture save for
one too many jammed pulleys. There's also a problem
of motivation in one tavern "tough guy to tough guy"
scene. Cuba had just learned of some very sad news
that prompted him to call the woman he fancied. While
waiting for her to arrive, Charlize Theron shows up
and coaxes him into the tavern conflict with a simple
line or two. Seems to me, a man of Cuba's conviction
wouldn't risk it all so easily. Perhaps a few moments
were cut, leaving a gap in believability.
Lastly, the film ends with text when it should
have ended with images. That said, "Men of Honor,"
based on the life of Carl Brashear, is still a big
movie with big acting, beautiful production work and
kick-in-the-pants inspiration.
|