The weekend is coming ... perhaps you are planning to see a movie! Today I have a treat for you - award winning romance author Lindsay McKenna reviewed ACT OF VALOR. It is intriguing to see the movie through her eyes as she hails from a Navy family - her parents were living on Ford Island on "that day of Infamy" Lindsay herself is a Navy Veteran. She originated the military adventure/romance genre in 1983 with CAPTIVE OF FATE (Silhouette Special Edition/Simon and Schuster/Silhouette). Welcome, Lindsay!
ACT OF VALOR is an authentic movie that’s just come out on February 24th. It is about active duty US Navy SEALS. The movie had a powerful impact on me for many reasons. First, there is a human story that underpins the entire movie. And it will hold you in its grip and move you. This will appeal to the women, especially, who don’t like shoot ‘em up bang-bang kind of films. There is heart and soul woven into this story, so don’t be put off that it’s just another ‘action movie,’ because it’s a lot more than that. Secondly, active duty SEALS star in this movie. Mike McCoy and Scott Waugh of Relativity Media, took two years to film ACT OF VALOR and received the cooperation of the US Navy. Further, the SEALS refused to ‘dress up’ or do anything other than what real SEALS are trained to do for this movie. Everything you see in it is authentic drama, is present day and how SEALS really go about their business of being the incredibly heroic men they are.
Even more upsetting, in a way, is that the story line of the movie that came from real missions performed by the SEALS. If anyone ever was against controlling our border with Mexico, you won’t be after this movie is done. On another playing field, it also shows the diversity and global backyard the SEALS work and survive in, to keep the USA safe.
Those readers who love military books or SEAL stories, should see this movie. It’s eye opening, hauntingly emotional and shows SEALS not only in action, but their brotherhood, humanity toward their own and others. These are REAL warriors; they’re professionals and there is no question, they are the best of the best. And the movie goer gets to see authentic action. It’s far more heart/pulse pounding than any movie star or any other action flick you may have seen in the past. This film is the raw, unadorned real deal torn from the pages of today. Be prepared for tears. Bring some Kleenex along. You’ll need it.
And even if you aren’t drawn to a movie like this, generally speaking, go see it, anyway. You need to be educated about the men who are putting their lives on the line for us EVERY DAY so that we continue to enjoy the freedom we have in this country.
I hope ANOTHER authentic SEAL movie is developed and produced by these two men. They did a great job on it. They listened to the SEALS and the action sequences will have your breath knocked out of you. It is THAT powerful. But so are the underlying emotions that will capture you from the beginning. And in doing that, you’re on a roller coaster ride with these bonafied SEAL heroes as they work to stop terrorism of the worst sort and in the end, protect all of us.
And if you are moved by this movie, by these men and the families they love, then donate and help at this link. The Navy Seal Foundation supports SEALS, their families, provides scholarships for fallen SEALS children and educates the public about them.
Reviewed by Lindsay McKenna, US Navy veteran.
Mahalo, Lindsay, for sharing your thoughts with us! To learn more about Lindsay and her books, check out her website at www.lindsaymckenna.com.
Today I am donating a $1 per comment, up to $100, to the Navy Seal Foundation. Comments are open through Saturday, March 17. I'll announce the total on Sunday, March 18.
Mahalo,
Kim in Hawaii
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| Leave no man behind .... |
A powerful & moving post. I can feel the emotion coursing through you & then me.
ReplyDeleteI had read that this movie used active duty SEALs and only a handful of actors and it's doing great at the box office.
ReplyDeleteI am anxious to see this movie. It is playing at the theater near where I live. I may try to swing enough money for my niece-in-law and I to go see it tomorrow night. If I can't go tomorrow night I may try for next weekend. I'm not sure when she would be able to get away during the week with two school age daughters. Thanks Lindsey for the review and Kim for hosting the blog about the movie.
ReplyDeleteMy husband really wants to see this movie so it'll be one of those rare movies that we watch together. it looks like it'll be a great one.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I usually do not go to movies but we do buy them. I will buy this when it comes out on DVD.
ReplyDeleteI love moving, true to life tales of the human spirit. Thank you so much for posting.
ReplyDeleteI am so excited to see this movie. Just have to get the babysitter lined up.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lindsay for the movie review. It is good to know that the movie is authentic. I will certatinly watch it.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I did go see this movie and will actually go back to take my mom and dad. It was very powerful and I'm happy that is very authentic. :) I was drawn in too and did cry. I agree-everyone should see it!
ReplyDeleteOH--and I didn't know it was also a book. Just got that for my Kindle. :)
DeleteWhat a wonderful review. The movie hasn't gotten down here yet, but when it does I'll make a point of seeing it.
ReplyDeleteKim, thank you for utilizing my blog on ACT OF VALOR. Everyone who has a drop of patriotic blood, who loves America, who served, should see this movie. SEALs rock in my book, but then, I was in the US Navy, so I might be a tiny bit prejudice ;-). Our SOF men and women go in harm's way EVERY time. For all of us. I salute them. Warmly, Lindsay McKenna
ReplyDeleteEileen,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the excellent review. Act Of Valor is on my MUST SEE list. I'm psyched to see it. Thanks for sharing the link to the Navy SEAL Foundation, an excellent cause. God bless our troops!
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN
Great review. I have to see this because my husband was a SEAL when he was in the Navy and both of us being Navy vets brings back memories for both us when we were in during the cold war. I salute all our men and women who have served, past and present. I just wish my husband was here to see it with me. We may have to wait until June when I will get to see him to see this movie together.
ReplyDeleteKim, thank you for hosting this and I just have to say I miss Hawaii. Loved it when we were stationed there and my daughter was born there in 1989. I got to take her there in January 2011 just after her 21st birthday so she could she where she was born in the 'pink hospital' on the hill. Great vacation.
Wow! I had listened to the critics. They said the movie was just action driven, no character plot, but after reading Eileen's review I've got to see this movie. Thank you, Eileen for explaining that it's not a "made for Hollywood" style film.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to watch this movie!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this. Marcus Luttrell, the SEAL of The Lone Survivor, recommended the movie, stating it doesn't give away any secrets and is an accurate portrayal. I appreciate the more detailed review. Going into something this intense, it helps me to know what to expect. God bless our SEALs, their families, and all our troops. Thank you so much for your service. Thanks, Kim, for your great blog.
ReplyDeleteHooyah, Lindsay! You gave an excellent review of the movie!
ReplyDeleteMy husband is retired from the Teams and we had the privilege of meeting the SEALs and their families as well as the directors, producers, and advisers at a special showing in Hollywood. They are a humble group and have done a great job sharing how the community actually is.
Did you know the scene in the water has actual live fire?
Keep up the good work! Hooyah & hugs!
Passing along to a weekly movie-seeing friend, with thanks for the review and for your service.
ReplyDeleteWow, that is definitely a movie I want to see. Thanks for the heads up on it. I am not sure if they will show it here in Germany, but I will definitely will get it on DVD.
ReplyDeleteWow the movie is shown here. The release date is May 24th, now I just hope that they will show it in my rural area. LOL
DeleteI have not seen a non-children's movie at the theater in a long time but that may change. Thank you for the excellent review.
ReplyDeleteI know 4 people who just saw this and all said it was a fantastic movie and very emotional. I regret I didn't see it. (I chose The Artist and was extremely disappointed - I totally don't understand how it won the Oscar).
ReplyDeletecatslady
One thing I found interesting was a review said there was no "Damaged" Seals in this movie. I disagree. And maybe it was my writing experience that made me pick it out, but the sniper in this group definitely had the "damaged" feel to him. But it wasn't anything that was said or done. It was just "him". The look in his eye, everytime he was on screen, even when he wasn't speaking. Or else it was just my imagination. But if you go see the movie, play close attention to him at the "beach" party. That's when I first noticed it. He doesn't speak much in the movie, but to me, he was very noticeable.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, great movie, and yes, I recommend it for all.
This is a must see movie and I will be on lookout for my area's vewing.
ReplyDeleteWithout our Military Men and Women, The United States of America would not be what it is today. They have kept us safe from invasion, protecting our freedom both at home and overseas. Every man and woman who has served our country should have a special medal and WE should always be there for them and their families for medical and educational expenses. They can't make a million while serving and must do without so much and it is our duty to them to provide whatever they and their families need.
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
What an awesome review!!! Thanks so much!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review. What a wonderful idea for donations, Kim.
ReplyDeleteGreat movie. I saw it back in February and loved it. It had a very authentic feel to it. Nothing beats real authenticity. While the acting was a bit campy and the dialogue stilted, the action scenes more than make up for those few moments. I can definitely recommend this movie, but be warned: it’s intense.
ReplyDeleteNadja
I heard this was a great movie. Thanks for all you do!
ReplyDeleteAwesome review!
ReplyDeleteThis movie sounds really good!
ReplyDeleteI've been hearing a lot of great things about this movie. I'm really looking forward to seeing it. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteI'm really looking forward to seeing this movie. This was a phenomenal review of Act of Valor, made more impressive by the reviewer. Thank you, Lindsay, for your heartfelt words. Thank you, Kim, for your generosity and support of the Navy Seal Foundation. And THANK YOU to the men and women of the military for your service.
ReplyDeleteSounds good,kimh
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the review. Sounds like a good movie.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a good movie and I will have to see it.
ReplyDeleteAs the mother of a soldier, I commend you for your wonderful blog and for your support of all troops. My son has seen ACT OF VALOR twice. Once by himself...worried it would bring back memories of Iraq. The 2nd time, he took his Dad. They enjoyed it. I might see it, but I have enough gray hairs.
ReplyDeleteThank you for such a wonderful review of this movie. i've heard so many great things about it.My only problem with seeing it is I'd rather be kept in the dark. My son is in SEALs training and I know how tough the life will be that he has chosen. My husband wants to see it. Me, I just like not knowing all the particulars. :) I support the military in every venture.
ReplyDeleteTara Nina
Woot! Kim, thanks for posting about this!. I will go and see it. I can only imagine coming out feeling appreciation.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that it was a book either. Will check it out!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Great post today! Movie looks great!
ReplyDeleteMovie looks great!
ReplyDeleteI have heard great things about this movie. It is awesome that you are also donating.
ReplyDeleteKim -
ReplyDeleteThank you for the wonderful interview with Lindsey. It's hard to imagine how difficult it must be for the spouses of a Navy Seal every time they are deployed.
My husband is retired Navy and served on P-3's and I know the stress that I went thru with each deployment. I can't even begin to imagine the spouses of Seals face every time they are sent on a mission.
My husband has had the pleasure of meeting some of the Seals that train at a local Navy base and their dedication to their mission.
I often wonder how many of us really realize the dangerous missions the Seals are called to do to keep us all safe.
Kim, Thank you for your support of the Navy Seals Foundation and to Linsey for her service to our country.
very generous
ReplyDeleteblkrze37
I want to see this movie SO BAD!! I think it is so important to have our eyes opened to the hard work and dedication these men and their families have. I think their amazing!
ReplyDeletei always love watching seal's movie and this one sounds a great movie ;)
ReplyDeleteWatched Act Of Valor today, wow, loved it!!! :)
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