This movie started well. I went in knowing nothing about it, and the opener left me feeling positive. It felt like huge names were going to pop up on the screen, but then when every name was unheard of, by me at least, I was surprised, because it felt too professional for unknowns. It's rare that a movie full of unknowns entertains me, but it does happen occasionally, and this looked promising. Right up until the morning after.
Ok, so up until the end of day one, there were a few moments here and there which made me wince, some of the acting, some of the script, some of the direction was... off, unnatural, amateurish. But a decent scene had been set, most of the actors seemed to have some skill in their craft, and I was looking forward to seeing where this will go.
But then the morning after happened. Only about two or three of the characters seemed anywhere near realistic. It felt like Hollywood had left the building and taken all their staff with them. It seemed that no one was directing anyone. It felt like day one rehearsals. It looked like actors had no idea where to go or what to do, other than throwing out their lines, which seemed like they were written by a ten year old, they just looked awkward.
Especially bad was the marine. He had one expression, and it never changed! He was a caricature marine with no realism whatsoever. I'm fairly sure that every line he threw out was taken directly from the directors collection of 80s war movies. It was like he had taken over the movie and every other actor was trying to work around him, and his one expression, and his arms that seem to have had a falling out with the rest of his body. Honestly, no marine or even body builder walks like that! I was so delighted when he jumped in the lake, and the movie genuinely improved after that!
It appears the marine is in fact the writer, director and producer. Wow, that explains a lot.