Gunny

I have to say that I really enjoyed watching this movie.

The grizzled, maverick war veteran, Sgt. Tom 'Gunny' Highway must be one of Clint Eastwood's more comedic roles (apart from the 'every which way' films) He had me bursting out laughing every time he even opened his mouth. One particular line that had me in stitches was when he was telling a cadet to put his Kevlar helmet back on by 1900 hours 'or he wouldn't have a head to wear it on'-pure class!! I've always liked Clint for his tough no-nonsense roles. This one is no exception! As a matter of fact, there were plenty of 'laugh-out-loud moments in this film to keep everyone happy-like the smart-ass remarks from the punk cadets.

The showdown between Highway and 'The Swede' was highly enjoyable, too.

'Heartbrake Ridge' is certainly a lot more lighter and easier to swallow than the similarly-themed 'Full Metal Jacket'.

This film certainly passes as perfectly adequate, undemanding popcorn viewing.

I enjoyed watching "Heartbreak Ridge" but can also understand why the US Marines disavowed the film. Sure, it was quite jingoistic and patriotic but the language was NOT what the Marines want the public to hear...though in reality that sort of salty and politically incorrect dialog is exactly how the Marines I have known talk!

The film centers around an aging and somewhat anachronistic Gunnery Sergeant, Highway (Clint Eastwood). He's pretty much a tough-as- nails stereotype of a career military man....for good and for bad. His new assignment is a group of (unrealistic) Marines who are worthless jerks. He has to whip them into shape...or see them die should they ever go into combat.

The best way to describe the film is "The Sands of Iwo Jima" with a STRONG Rated-R bent. The language is often crude and offensive (especially in this politically correct era) and it is NOT a film for everyone. But it is enjoyable and well made...and Eastwood's character is one you won't soon forget.

I effing LOVE this movie. It's probably my greatest (movie) guilty pleasure.

In 1986, I was 10. I was way too interested in war/military based films/TV/books. (Fun-fact: never enrolled, and don't own any guns. I think i was drawn to the uniforms, haha)

I still remember the night I convinced my parents to rent this, at the video store. Believe it or not, this was the first "Clint" movie I ever watched, lol. I figured it would be like the Chuck Norris/Rambo movies, I had watched. Boy, was I wrong.

Even as a ten year old, I had a fondness for the script and the characters. And now, at 44, I'm still enjoying a rewatch, at least 1-3 times per year, haha

Of course, objectively, this is a unimpressive throwaway 80's flick. It's possibly the only movie to use the 'invasion' of Grenada, as a backdrop-or, it certainly was, at the time. It's overtly jingoistic; on par with the 'Red Dawn's', and 'Top Gun's' of the era. It's more of a comedy, compared to a military action movie.

And certainly, in 2020, the 80's humour comes across as dated-that said, I think it's disingenuous to get offended over how things used to be. Just like I think those still using casual homophobic humour today, are being lazy

Despite all this, Eastwood's passive-aggressive ornery character, has some of my favourite quotable lines. So too, does the Ayatollah of Rock'n'Rolla, 'Slick Jones'-played by the amazing Mario Van Peebles.

His Ying to Eastwood's Yang, never gets old. Nor does the rest of the ensemble cast. Everyone from Eastwood's former flame, to his ultra aggressive superior, is wonderfully cast.

Hard to imagine someone coming across this movie, in today's era-but this is a truly a hidden gem.

Clint Eastwood is at his best in the role of "Gunny Highway." This is mostly a really excellent flick about patriotic values, military camaraderie and old grizzled military veterans. Gunny Highway comes across as the exact fellow you would want covering your ass in any tough situation you could possibly imagine. And Eastwood plays him perfectly with steely resolve, devotion, humor and a healthy touch of irreverence. Its great to see the transformation of Highway's squad, as well as the final moment of judgment for the totally hateful, obnoxious and bureaucratic Maj. Powers. (Oh, if only such b*****ds would get their deserved comeuppance in real life in such a manner, what a beautiful world it would be!)

The only real fault is the attempt to compare a minor police action in Grenada with Vietnam and Korea, "I guess we're not 0, 1 and 1 anymore." I mean, give me a break, Korea and Vietnam went on for years and killed millions! Grenada involved a couple of hundred casualties over a couple of days. Please! But I suppose in 1986 the American people were desperate for some kind of heroes. Its just that that kind of jingoism would have been much more appropriate after Desert Storm than Grenada. That being said, its still a very good movie with a fundamental message about values, loyalty and comradeship that we could easily have more of these days, besides, Clint is just great!

I recently revisited Heartbreak Ridge (1986) on Tubi. The plot revolves around an aging military officer seeking one final assignment before concluding his career. Tasked with training a group of misfit cadets in a last-ditch effort to reform them, he faces challenges as they resist orders, but he ultimately molds them into a disciplined unit. When they are sent to Korea, their survival hinges on applying the lessons learned.

Directed by and starring Clint Eastwood (Gran Torino), the film also features Marsha Mason (Nick of Time), Everett McGill (Twin Peaks), Moses Gunn (Shaft), Bo Svenson (Kill Bill), and Mario Van Peebles (Baadasssss!).

This film serves as the serious counterpart to Major Payne. Clint Eastwood delivers an outstanding performance with the perfect demeanor, one-liners, and mannerisms, showcasing his comedic prowess and authenticity. The hard demeanor and quick comebacks are tailor-made for Eastwood, establishing the characters brilliantly. Mario Van Peebles delivers a fantastic supporting character that easy to root for and against. The training scenes and fights are a lot of fun. While the war scenes may feel at times unrealistic and excessive, they add a fun dynamic to the storyline, leading to a worthwhile conclusion.

In conclusion, Heartbreak Ridge offers a compelling blend of character development, coming-of-age elements, and brilliant comedy. I'd give it a 7/10 and recommend watching it at least once.