lukela

First off, I have to agree with a minority of other reviewers who describe the show's characters as stereotypical and irritating. Secondly, NCIS are detectives, who investigate crimes usually taking place on Navy jurisdiction, or sometimes involving high-profile Naval personnel. They are not a combination of the FBI or the CIA. They do not conduct counter-terrorism operations or any overseas covert ops. They do not run off to the hills of W. Virginia to find out why a Marine on leave fell of a cliff. They do not work out of a headquarters with an electronics array and lab resembling something out of a sci-fi set. They do not drive at break-neck speed without being stopped by local police. They are not at odds with all other law enforcement agencies, and are definitely not superior to any of them. It is not considered inferior duty to be assigned to a regional office or aboard a ship. In short, NCIS is an agency of competent investigators who perform their jobs with the same resources as most other agencies. They are portrayed on TV with a lot of artistic license.

To correct a previous commentary... "The Big Red One" is the 1st Infantry Division. The "Red Ball Express" was the name given to the truck convoys. My own opinions of the film: I think a movie like this needs to be appreciated within the context of the time period it was made. Considering that the country then was barely taking baby steps into the civil rights movement, the subject was handled pretty well. It sent it's message without being preachy or patronizing. A great cast also helps it make a worthwhile movie to watch. It's too bad that James Edwards died several years later while still relatively young. He might've made a real breakthrough to some leading roles.

I'm a fan of John Wayne and Kirk Douglas and think they both gave good performances in this movie. Most of the supporting roles were done pretty well (except for the very wooden "acting" of Brande de Wilde)by pros who did a good job with the parts they were given. My biggest gripe is that, after the first intersting half hour or so, the whole thing turned into nothing but a glorified soap opera. The special effects?? - were pretty embarrising - FOR CRYING-OUT-LOUD!? WOODEN MODEL BATTLESHIPS IN A WATER TANK?!?!? A real waste of a lot of really great talent!