The story opens with Tommy being released from prison just as Sam is leaving to return to Afghanistan as a captain in the Marines. When the news comes that Sam is missing in action and presumed dead, his wife Grace (Natalie Portman) and children (Bailee Madison and Taylor Grace Geare) are devastated. Finding new purpose and redemption, Tommy steps up to support the grieving family who quickly rely on his new strength. Things get complicated when Sam is not dead.
The film has a small budget indie vibe to it with that slice of life flavor. The actors all do a tremendous job. Gyllenhaal fills out his character quite nicely, growing with Tommy in a very believable way. Maguire follows in the footsteps of Elijah Wood, making the transition from diminutive hero to massively messed up dude ala The Lord of the Rings to Sin City. Portman continues to show she excels in anything not involving George Lucas.
It's not the first time a movie has explored the cost of war from this - the returning soldiers and their families - angle, but it does it well. It's a little slow at times and the trailers resulted in it being a bit predictable since many of the plot points have already been given away. Having been done before, a little slow and predictable prevent this film from really shining in a way that is worthy of the performances given. Granted, it's a little hard to take Peter Parker seriously in this kind of role, but that's my problem.
The drama here both tries to replace and overpowers the substance making this an average film with above average performances. To sum up - award worthy acting, mildly forgettable screenplay, decent drama.
*** (3/5 stars)
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