Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Love Survivor (2013)

What is it about? 

The true story of Marcus Luttrell and his fellow Navy Seals who set out on a mission to kill a Taliban Leader, but end up in the fight of their lives. 

Who is in it? 

Mark Wahlberg - Marcus Luttrell

Taylor Kitsch - Michael Murphy

Emile Hirsch - Daniel Dietz

Ben Foster - Matt Axelson

Favorite Scene: 

[Spoiler Alert]

After realizing they wouldn't survive without radioing for help, Michael gives up his life in attempt to radio back to base for backup and rescue. The scene leaves Murphy's body limp and kneeling on a cliff. 

Favorite Quote: 

 "Anything in life worth doing is worth overdoing. Moderation is for cowards."

Review:

I'm a sucker for a good war story and movie. Lone Survivor, based on a true story, is a film that is very difficult to dislike. The film not only reminds us of the sacrifices and incomporable strength of the United States Navy Seals teams, but also gives us a small taste of the front lines in the war on terrorism, and the efforts that goes into defending our freedoms. 

As a HUUUUUGE fan of Friday Night Lights, I was pumped to see that Peter Berg directed this film, and it's quite obvious from the opening scenes. Love Survivor is a smart and intelligent film that allows much of the scenes to speak for themselves, and does a great job of connecting the viewer with the Navy Seals team in Afghanistan. 

The film is filled with a non-stop progressing plot with very little downtime and constant intrigue. Mark Wahlberg slowly has become a personal favorite, and is really good in the role of Marcus Luttrell. However, it is Talor Kitsch as Michael Murphy, who shines and moves away from some of the "pretty boy" typecast roles he's had in the past. 

The film is loaded with violence, but definitely tells a story that every believer in freedom ought to see. Especially considering the effort put forward by these men under the conditions they faced. Lone Survivor is a great film, and one that is highly recommended.

Grade: 4.75/5

Recently Read

Quick Ponder: Parental Reverance

Are these the moments of hard work and sacrifice, in front of my kids, that I hold my parents in reverence for? 

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 1/12/25

3 Up 1. California Fire Fighters - From nearby and even across international borders (some even imprisoned), a lot has to be offered to the firefighters who made their way to Southern California this week to help control this massive natural disaster.  2. Human Spirit - People who opened their homes to others. Businesses that provided free services and assistance. The outpouring of donations and so much more. People can be awesome at times.  3. Medical Debt - This seems like a pretty big deal, no?! Why should your health and the needs for your care affect your credit score?  3 Down 1. California Wildfires - Awful. There's not much you can place into words here that would capture so many people losing their homes, their lives, and everything. 2. Politicized Wildfires - As much as the human spirit took center stage, of course, we gotta make things political in this nation. Because, you know, there's an opportunity to do so.  3. Extreme Weather - There's just a whole l...

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Rio (2011)

What is it about?  Blu, a domesticated macaw bird from Minnesota is off to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in order to save his species by meeting, an independent macaw, Jewel. After meeting, the two embark on an adventure to reconnect with Blu's owner, but end up having an adventure that will change their lives.  Who is in it?  Jesse Eisenberg - Blu Anne Hathaway - Jewel George Lopez - Rafael