I think Matthew Broderick was a good casting decision. The way I see it, his character is supposed to appear weak and soft. The movie opens with him going down over a scratch in the middle of a battle, faking dead beause he is scared shitless. He even comments upon the fear that his own weakness will affect the performance of his regiment. I think the movie makes the point that the army would not give command of a black regiment to a charismatic or brilliant leader. No John Wayne-type for them black folks. Hell no, give them that weak papas boy... Then, the movie slowly shows how he develops as a commander and gains the respect of his regiment. Think about the contrast (and development) in his character from his first scene in the movie and his last scene in the movie. I think the movie makes a point by using Matthew Broderick in the main lead. Namely "Don't judge a book by its covers"...
While I agree about Broderick's performance, Denzel Washington was absolutely fantastic. And Morgan Freeman also did a good job. I would put this in the top 250 war movies, but not in a general catagory
Totally agreeing with Zeltaebar here. At first I thought "Hell no, Broderick? Really?", but he was perfect for this role and pretty brilliant at it. Freeman, awesome as always, and Washington, fantastic.
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Zeltaebar
I think Matthew Broderick was a good casting decision. The way I see it, his character is supposed to appear weak and soft. The movie opens with him going down over a scratch in the middle of a battle, faking dead beause he is scared shitless. He even comments upon the fear that his own weakness will affect the performance of his regiment. I think the movie makes the point that the army would not give command of a black regiment to a charismatic or brilliant leader. No John Wayne-type for them black folks. Hell no, give them that weak papas boy... Then, the movie slowly shows how he develops as a commander and gains the respect of his regiment. Think about the contrast (and development) in his character from his first scene in the movie and his last scene in the movie. I think the movie makes a point by using Matthew Broderick in the main lead. Namely "Don't judge a book by its covers"...TheMajor
Good film, but a little too forcedly melodramatic and sentimental. Especially the score.theBASSfromHELL
While I agree about Broderick's performance, Denzel Washington was absolutely fantastic. And Morgan Freeman also did a good job. I would put this in the top 250 war movies, but not in a general catagorySaniss
Totally agreeing with Zeltaebar here. At first I thought "Hell no, Broderick? Really?", but he was perfect for this role and pretty brilliant at it. Freeman, awesome as always, and Washington, fantastic.pimpmaster spaceman
There is nothing funnier in this world than Matthew Broderick trying to swear angrily. He just can't do it.Earring72
Powerful war movie. Great cast and story and very well staged. Just found the music a bit too muchdevilsadvocado
Aspects of this have aged poorly, but it remains one hell of a film. A story that should not be forgotten.Denzel's performance shines though Freeman's doesn't really get a chance to. Broderick was out of his depth here.
ClassicLady
Broderick did a grand job. But the movie just didn't hit home with me.Vinsmid
Duration too short for that 'epic' feel. Broderick does not convince as a soldier and/or actor. Not top 250 worthy imo.George Bailey
I think it is definetely top 250 material. I agree with you on the duration though!nicolaskrizan
inspirational, necessary, tidyhttps://beyond1001movies.wordpress.com/2015/11/25/backtrack-glory-1989/