SGT. Will Gardner

Will 'Ghost' Gardner (Max Martini) is a struggling Iraq War vet. He is constantly accompanied by the presence of his war buddy Samuel 'Top' Gallegos (Omari Hardwick). He steals a motorcycle from jerk employer Tony (Robert Patrick). Meanwhile, Mary-Anne Mackey (Lily Rabe) quits her office job in frustration. She keeps seeing Ghost riding the motorcycle and somehow assumes him to be Bryan Cranston.

The Bryan Cranston gag is funny the first couple of times, but it is a declining joke. It turns quite awkward and rather silly. Mary-Anne cannot be that dumb. I rather that she figures it out much sooner and drives off in a huff. This movie needs to be a road trip of individual encounters one after another. That's why I like the bar and I don't see JoBeth Williams enough. I like the family, but it would have been more original to have Buddy be a super nice guy. Charlie Burroughs is the best of the supporting characters. Despite some bumps in the road, this is a trip worth taking.

My wife and I watched this at home on DVD from our public library. The filmmakers have strong views about how difficult it is for many war veterans returning home to civilian life. Many are homeless and have to beg for survival and not enough is being done on their behalf.

Max Martini is very good as Will Gardner, a fictional character scarred by his action in Iraq. In California he is working as a painter but having difficulty with his boss. He shucks it all and on a "borrowed" motorcycle takes a cross-country trip, stopping here and there for family or friend interactions, ultimately ending up at Arlington cemetery.

The movie tells a worthwhile story, to help bring attention to the plight of many veterans. It loses some of its impact by editing which makes it very slow in many sections, some scenes seem to be prolonged beyond what is reasonable. Still we found it a worthwhile viewing.

This movie will touch every corners of your heart, so much that it will never leave you in peace. After watching it "at least 10 times" you'll gain more respect for war veterans, real life heroes.

Recommending it wholeheartedly!

As a veteran, I saw healing processes in this movie. Some parts were difficult to watch while others were very warming and fulfilling. I saw a loving husband and father that suffered from poor choices made by not only himself but other key people in his life. I saw a man who was healing himself by helping others. I saw a man, who even though down and out, refused to give up and pulled those around him, up on their feet to stand tall and be proud of who they are.

Just finished the movie....as a vet with both a TBI and PTSD that I've battled since 2005 this was crushingly candid and hit my core. Thank you for the powerful portrayal of what many of us battle everyday