“Last Flag Flying” is a war movie without a single gun being fired. The 2017 film is labeled a war comedy-drama, which in and of itself is a difficult feat. It was co-written by Richard Linklater and Darryl Ponicsan (based upon the latter’s 2005 novel of the same name). Linklater would also direct.
Set in 2003, the movie follows three Vietnam veterans. Former Marines, who have reunited after decades as they embark on a road trip from Virginia to New Hampshire. While appearing to be a straight comedy, the atmosphere is riddled with regrets, betrayal, and sadness. The destination of the journey being the funeral of one of their sons who has just been killed in Iraq.
Richard Linklater
We’ve discussed my love of Richard Linklater in previous reviews. His ability to make compelling drama with simple conversations is unparalleled. Two men talking in a bar. Three men arguing in a car. Four men laughing in a train. Though simple, the blandness of the scenes in the film are never dull. And here, Linklater has the assistance of three amazing actors.
The three Marines are played effortlessly by Steve Carell, Bryan Cranston, and Laurence Fishburne. What’s great is that the men – while completely different in their own way – share the unbreakable bond of war, and the pride in being Marines.
Cranston’s Sal Nealon is a hothead and drunk who spends his days liquored up and his nights sleeping on a bench at the dive bar he owns. Richard Mueller (Fishburne) is a reverend who has intentionally divorced himself from his former life as a Marine. Larry (Steve Carell) – is reserved and somber through much of the film as he questions the Marine oath in the aftermath of the death of his young son.
Steve Carell is an Excellent Actor
Steve Carell is known for comedy. It’s difficult to think of him as anyone other than Michael Scott. But as demonstrated in films like “The Way Way Back” he is an excellent dramatic actor. Of the three stars, Cranston’s Larry has the least amount of dialogue. But his emotions are still on full display. Sadness, outrage. A feeling that everything he has believed in before is a lie. His wife has died. His only son is now gone. He is a man with seemingly no purpose. “I’m not going to bury a Marine.” He states solemnly. “I’m just going to bury my son.”
Bryan Cranston and Laurence Fishburne play their respective parts perfectly. Cranston being the comic relief plays well off the straight-man Fishburne. J. Quinton Johnson who I recently saw in “Everybody Wants Some!!” plays a young Marine travelling with the group. Johnson is an unheralded star who is excellent in the part. Cranston reunites with former ‘Seinfeld’ alum Yul Vazquez, who plays a commanding officer.
Memorial Day
“Last Flag Flying” will make the viewer think, the same as it does with its characters. The men share the unbreakable bond of the Marine Corps, but each has their own inner thoughts and questions about the system, which don’t always stay hidden. The film also reveals the lackluster treatment of veterans – who struggle physically and mentally after returning from combat.
Its 126 minutes could have been a notch shorter, but I won’t complain about that. The compelling dialogue and story will keep you invested from start to finish.
As we celebrate Memorial Day, “Last Flag Flying” is a great movie to check out. It pays tribute to those that have served their country, and those that have died serving. And it does so in a thoroughly realistic way that still has time for fun.
“Last Flag Flying” is available to stream on Amazon.
