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Created Feb 26, 2012 09:34AM PST • Edited Feb 26, 2012 09:34AM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Very Good 3.5

   Slick, cool-handed, shock-and-awe action by actual active duty Navy Seals is the big draw for Act of Valor. This unique casting strategy makes what might have been less impressive war/action flick something worth watching. It soon becomes obvious what makes the difference between Hollywood soldiers and the real thing: the real guys are way cooler. Smooth “this is my job” handling of over-the-top stressful situations, emotion when it can’t be helped, and a noticeable lack of drama — well, except for some overly-done narrative. Bottom line is that you’ll have a ton of fun watching great action, cool weaponry, and overwhelming force that only US taxpayer money can buy.

4. Acting

   Pretty Bad 1.5

   Oh yeah – these guys need to stick to their day jobs.

5. Male Stars Pretty Bad 1.5

6. Female Stars Pretty Bad 1.5

7. Female Costars Pretty Bad 1.5

8. Male Costars Pretty Bad 1.5

10. Film

    Very Good 3.5

    Great filming of inspiring action sequences. The cloak-and-dagger stuff in between felt more like it was made-for-tv.

11. Direction Very Good 3.5

12. Play Very Good 3.5

13. Music Very Good 3.5

14. Visuals Very Good 3.5
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 2.3

17. Sex Titillating 2.3

18. Violence Fierce 2.3

    Fierce fighting indeed.

19. Rudeness Salty 2.3

21. Reality

    Glib 1.8

22. Circumstantial Glib 1.8

23. Biological Glib 1.8

24. Physical Glib 1.8