Memorial Day

Well directed, excellently photographed, superbly acted this well scripted movie is a mover - and that's what I watch films for, to be moved, to be taken to another place in my imagination or experiencing that can release feelings and emotions within me that touch upon the core of my 'humanness'. This film performs this task, and more, beautifully. I watched it 4 nights ago and have since watched 3 more movies, yet I find myself consistently and continually being drawn back into Memorial Day. My memory keeps thrusting this back into my consciousness. There are some wonderfully subtle family moments, ebbs and flows, currents and undercurrents, that are so honestly representative of most families. The family setting is very recognizable for most people. I am 68 and I can recognize many characters I have known in this film.They are clearly identifiable. It is,thankfully,not a 'shock and awe' film, but rather a very believable journey through the experiencing of 3 generations and the determined power of children to seek answers.Memorial Day is truly memorable.

What a movie! This movie isn't just a story about two wars but how both those wars affected the lives of two people. James Cromwell (Bud Vogel)is at his very best and his son John Cromwell (younger Lt. Bud Vogel)is what many would say is "a chip off the old block". Jackson Bond plays the young grandson Kyle Vogel while Jonathan Bennett plays Kyle as a grown man. The acting and portrayal of the participants is superb in every detail.

The story deals with flashbacks of war and torment and drives home the need to understand. It may be hard for me to tell you about the movie without spoiling it for you so I won't get into too much detail other than to tell you to sit down in a quiet room and watch this movie with an open mind and heart. Saving Private Ryan brought a tear to these old eyes of mine and I have to admit the same thing happened to me while watching this movie. So a box of tissues may be an added item to have nearby.

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.

This is a great family movie, a good movie to watch with the family. It has a lot of great family values. This movie almost made me cry, "Bud" reminded me of my grandpa that passed away a couple year ago. this movie reminded me of the good times me and my grandpa had. The main actors did a great job but the side actors were not very good and it bothered me. I would highly recommend this movie to anyone, if you like war movies or not. This is not really a war movie it is more about the memories and how it changes people. It is about family and friendships. James Cromwell did a very good job. There is some life lessons in this movie, you do not want to take life for granted. Stories live on forever... if you tell them to someone.

This was a family story as much as a war story, mostly watchable due to the performances from James and John Cromwell. It does its best to tug at your heartstrings and make you feel for the characters, and ultimately I wish I had liked it more because Memorial Day has an important message to tell.

The story is filled with flashbacks starting when a 12 year old Kyle discovers his grandfathers footlocker from WW2 and asks him about his time during the war. "Bud" is still wracked with grief and struggles, reluctant to talk about it. Eventually though an aging James Cromwell shares a story about one of the items from the footlocker, taking us back to Europe where his real life son James plays his part. -Wow do they ever look alike.

Flip flopping back and forth we also follow a grown up Kyle who uses the wisdom from his grandfather while serving his own tour in Iraq. I did enjoy the modern battle scenes here, I thought they were well done. Ultimately this did bring a lump to my throat and James Cromwell kind of breaks your heart it just wasn't fantastic or anything. 11/9/15