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Annapolis [2006]


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"Annapolis" is not quite there to give a proper tribute to the Naval Academy
Review date: 2007-07-04 Rating: 6 out of 10

When a film is entitled ANNAPOLIS one expects to see something that resembles or in some part reflects the title. Unfortunately, this is based on a small, twice-told story rendered in what appears to be a Frankenscript made up from parts of other scripts from feature films superior to it. It's a superficial story at that. It's also obvious that the neither writer nor director served in either the US Navy or the USN Marines Division, nor apparently bothered to hire a knowledgeable consultant for it lacks authenticity and is marred by technical errors. For example, there's a line where Midshipman Cole (well played by the striking Tyrese Gibson) a former Marine that we later learn will return to the Marines after graduating Annapolis refers to himself as a "soldier." This is a rather grinding mistake because no Sailor or Marine ever refers to himself as a soldier even while intoxicated and spouting philosophic euphemisms. It just never happens.

Perhaps the most glaring error is the entire writing of the "Twins" character (once again very well played by Vicellous Reon Shannon) who is an overweight, physically unqualified plebe. In truth the entry examination for Annapolis is done in two parts and one part covers an entire day on physical qualifications that all candidates must pass. Physically unqualified students are never found at the Naval Academy. The part should simply have never been written as it is. The idea itself obviously comes from any number of old boot camp films where it not only happens but where this characterization has long ago become trite.

At this writing I do not know why the picture was not made at Annapolis itself but this fact encompasses an entire basket of missed opportunities. If one were to entitle a film ANNAPOLIS the story might have been told similarly to John Ford's THE LONG GRAY LINE (1955) where through the experience of one man we get the emotional impact and historicity of West Point. USNA Annapolis is one of the greatest institutions of the United States, having been officially created in 1850. Its grounds and buildings are stunning when one sees the parades of midshipmen pass in review. There is nothing in this film that comes close to illustrating or in any way demonstrating the glory of the Academy. Boxing, which is the highlight of this unfortunate film is but a small aspect of life there. Yet, the activity eats up the entire conclusion of this film. Better to have named it, "Rocky's Younger, Midshipman Brother."

There is one small plus side; however, the cast is always engaging and talented so what little is there is salvaged by their performances. If you want see a strong melodrama about the trails and tribulations of a young man's aspirations to become a naval officer, see the original movie. However, if you have the chance to see "Annapolis", you would be well advised to pass on the opportunity.


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Reviews


Failed Officer and Gentleman Attempt
Review date: 2007-06-14 Rating: 2 out of 10

Poor underdog boy makes good against all the odds, including himself.

Patriotic schmaltz and clichés abounding, this film is only for diehard military nuts. Seen one once, then you have seen this already 20 times before. I would not recommend to join the Navy based on this video drivel. I had to fast forward a few times to get through this, and just in the last few scenes spotted the Royal Naval College in Greenwich with a hazy City of London in the background masquerading as Annapolis. Just as the protagonist longingly looks at the real Annapolis, this film could not quite muster to be the real thing - I finally gave the DVD away.

Annoyingly too the action is overloaded with the usual excess of bombastic music - like a roast with chalottes and carrots swimming in too much gravy.


Not the train wreck I thought it would be, but...
Review date: 2006-06-28 Rating: 6 out of 10

Annapolis is supposed to be a story of the underdog, who rises above the fray to achieve glory, but the movie is riddled with so many clichés and rip-offs and features such an absolutely astounding lack of imagination on behalf of the director Justin Lin, that it becomes almost impossible to take any of it seriously. It doesn't help that for much of the time, Annapolis just can't figure out what it wants to be - a picture about boxing or a hard-edged military drama. I rented it for the beefcake - so go figure.

This competently made but rather bland take on An Officer and A Gentleman and Rocky stars James Franco as the melancholy Jake Huard. Jake is a working-class kid who works with his father (Brian Goodman) on the Annapolis shipyards, drinks beers with his buddies at night, but in reality harbors dreams of attending the Naval Academy across the bay.

Jake is also an amateur boxer, and his undeniable talent in the ring gets the attention of an officer from the Academy. Soon he's admitted into Annapolis and becomes the nemesis of Tyrese Gibson's ex-Marine midshipman Lt. Cole, the film's titular villain but really just a nice guy at heart. Lt. Cole seems determined to undermine Jake as well as prove he's the superior force in the real life Brigade Championships.

The poor Jake - and his "plebe" mates - are forced to undergo all kinds of humiliations in order to toughen them up for officer material, he encounters merciless rules, the dogged and resolute brotherhood, and the unsparing superior Lt. Cole, and the film does do a good job of portraying some of the rigors of training. But all too often the film falls into sadistic stereotyping and much of what we see doesn't always come across as true.

The eye-catching Jordana Brewster drops in and out of the story as a spunky upperclassman and romantic interest that is attracted to Jake's rugged good looks and rough manners, but likewise, her character isn't that realistic.

James Franco is suitably sullen and earnest as Jake, he's reserved and inscrutable at the start, but there's something un-charismatic about him and we never really root for him like we should. Annapolis starts off quite well. There's a gritty, edgy quality to the proceedings and the dynamic between Jake and his father is generally well done. If the movie had concentrated much more on the motivations of their uneasy relationship - his father doesn't believe he will ever make it - the film as a whole would probably have been much more interesting.

Lin does inject a little tension into the forcefully integrated cast - particularly during the training sessions and there's some real frenetic energy infused into the fight scenes - there's also lots of muscled eye candy - but the film never manages to find a single surprise in the script or rise above the ordinary. Most viewers will probably end up telegraphing each plot turn as it comes. Mike Leonard June 06.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
James Franco
Tyrese Gibson
Donnie Wahlberg
Roger Fan
Jordana Brewster

Creators:
James Franco (Primary Contributor)
Jordana Brewster (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainm
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainm
EAN: 8717418091903
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2006-08-07
Audience rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 99 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2006
Language: English (Original Language)

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