BAT 21 (1988)

Vietnam War Movie # 3 

Synopsis Haiku:

 

A plane is shot down.

Hackman runs through the jungle.

Glover lends an ear. 

Blurb From the VHS Jacket: “Gene Hackman and Danny Glover star in this riveting true story that’s more about friendship than war.” 

What Did I Learn?: 1) Apparently, it’s ok to disobey a direct order from a superior officer (and steal his personal helicopter) as long as your heart is in the right place, and you’re super-committed to doing your job. 2) It’s useful to have an encyclopedic/photographic memory of every single golf course you’ve ever played upon. 

You Might Like This Movie If: You figured it must be 106 minutes of this.

 

Really?: 1) See: “What Did I Learn?” 2) Again, see: “What Did I Learn?” (How could Hackman's character remember the layout, length, width and terrain of so many golf course holes? How much golf does this guy play?)

Rating: BAT 21 is a realistic (it's based upon a true story), suspenseful, and very relatable war movie about a middle-aged Air Force officer without any combat experience who suddenly finds himself behind enemy lines. Hackman and Glover share some great chemistry, and it’s worth checking out if you get the chance. 8/10 stars. 

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094712/?ref_=nv_sr_1