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: Future Self

We always think,  what would we say  to our  younger self? However,  what would  our younger self say  if they met us, today?

Turning 40 - Grateful and Renewed

I became a forty-year-old individual yesterday.  The milestone is very significant for many and has its societal measures and benchmarks that carry some fear for those approaching its gates. Regardless of approach, turning 40 is filled with reflection, pondering (of course), and preparation for what should be a "new" stage of life. A life stage centered around "transitioning" into a stage seen as the "pre-senior" years.  Sure. Whatever.  I won't disagree that the new "4" digit that sits in front of your age feels encompassing even without understanding completely. Yet, as I stated last year when I turned 39 (going into my 40th year on this earth), I was ready for it. Ready for 40. Today, oddly enough, I am not filled with profound life lessons, ponderings, or reflections.  I sit here, punching the keys, filled with gratitude. I am 40, and I love it.   I carry my baggage of life and bear scars from it at 40. I am grateful for so many experien...

Knicks Trauma - Ugh Not Again

Well, that was a kick in the stomach.  Coming off a week where the word "catharsis" was used as the description for the euphoria and release of joy from two and a half decades of suffering, Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers brought about another word - trauma.  Watching the Knicks collapse was the kind of moments that come with these deep runs and moments. NBA Playoff basketball will do that. Yet, this loss - this one - feels about as bad as the 2004 ALCS when the Yankees collapsed in the series to the Boston Red Sox.  That one carries some serious trauma. Luckily, the series isn't over.  Some other quick thoughts from this awful, awful night, New York Knicks Basketball.  - Not to conjure up hyperbole, or even contribute to "hot take" sports reaction culture - but this might have been the worst loss in Knicks franchise history. I cannot think of another in my lifetime, or historically.  - Tyrese Haliburton's "choke"...