Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: 12 Strong (2017)

my profile | my password | search | faq & rules | forum home

»	Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE » Community » Film Handlers' Movie Reviews » 12 Strong (2017)

Author

Topic: 12 Strong (2017)

Leo Enticknap
Film God

Posts: 7474
From: Loma Linda, CA
Registered: Jul 2000

posted 02-18-2018 10:46 AM

Late 2001: a small squad of US Special Forces is dropped behind enemy lines in Afghanistan to help rebel forces recapture an important Taliban-controlled city.

This is a very solidly written, directed and acted war/adventure movie. Visually, it emphasizes locations, costumes and props more than CGI, which I like (New Mexico made a very convincing substitute for the mountains of Helmand for me, though it has to be admitted that I haven't seen the real thing): the acting was convincing and engaging, though not spectacular.

My one issue with the performances was that the Afghan rebel leader, General Dostum, was constantly and irritatingly spouting cryptic, philosophy-laden soundbites at the American captain. It seemed to me that they modeled the character on Alec Guinness's in Lawrence of Arabia, though if the real Dostum is like that, I guess the filmmakers get a pass.

I saw this on a Barco DP4K-45L and with Atmos audio (Dos Lagos Theatre, Corona, CA, screen 6). This is one of the rare occasions when the screen was big enough (about 70 feet wide in 'scope) and I was close enough to it that I would have appreciated the extra resolution of 4K. I don't think I'd have had a problem with 2K if I'd been further back, though. The audio was clear without being overpowering: in fact, overhead sound was used very sparingly.

Probably not the best choice for a romantic date, but if you like war/adventure pics, you won't be disappointed.

| IP: Logged

All times are Central (GMT -6:00)

Printer-friendly view of this topic

The Film-Tech Forums are designed for various members related to the cinema industry to express their opinions, viewpoints and testimonials on various products, services and events based upon speculation, personal knowledge and factual information through use, therefore all views represented here allow no liability upon the publishers of this web site and the owners of said views assume no liability for any ill will resulting from these postings. The posts made here are for educational as well as entertainment purposes and as such anyone viewing this portion of the website must accept these views as statements of the author of that opinion and agrees to release the authors from any and all liability.