Review of Veteran, The

Introduction

In terms of sheer numbers of films produced, only World War II can match Vietnam and the impact that the American involvement in South-East Asia has had on cinema is immense, continuing to this day.

The Vietnam War film genre is headed by such great works as `Apocalypse Now`, `Platoon`, `Full Metal Jacket` and `The Deer Hunter`, so why Sidney J. Furie thought that his contribution would be notable is anybody`s guess.

The events in `The Veteran` take place predominantly in a hotel where Ray Watson (Bobby Hosea), who has returned to Vietnam for `closure` finds he cannot escape the past, as `Doc` (Michael Ironside), a man who was presumed K.I.A., appears in his room full of rage. Unbeknownst to Ray, the room has been bugged by government agents, and Sara (Ally Sheedy) from the Vietnam Veterans Action Committee, who believes her own father is, like Doc, M.I.A..

Video

A pretty good anamorphic transfer which clearly shows the low-lit scenes in the hotel room and the more expansive flashbacks to the war.

Audio

A clear stereo soundtrack which, like the visuals, does a good job of both the dialogue and combat scenes.

There are very good English HoH subtitles available.

Features

A standard, gravel-voice narrated, trailer.

Conclusion

Vietnam has been covered from every angle already, from training, to combat, to the veterans, so frankly another Vietnam War film was unnecessary given the plethora of films already available. `The Veteran` tries to put a different spin on the `Veteran out for recognition` film by involving spies from the NSA and State Department, but the movie itself is surprisingly dull. Michael Ironside plays his typical slightly deranged `Jack Nicholson Lite` character but, aside from some interesting moments, is largely forgettable, as is TV actor Bobby Hosea. Alley Sheedy, who I last saw in `The Breakfast Club` (and didn`t realise was still alive!), has aged remarkably well, but never seems dark and mysterious enough to pull off her role.

`The Veteran` was a film that no-one asked for and was clearly made as a straight-to-DVD picture. If you`re in the mood for a Vietnam film, watch one of the better examples and give this dud a miss.