After returning from a tour in Iraq, two soldiers attempt to track down their squad leader who has gone AWOL before something terrible happens. Based on some killings in Fort Bragg this is a a good but not great little film thats hurt by a directorial style that makes the film seem like any number of recent independent films. Some people have called it the Sundance look, which is a style of film making that some people adopt to get noticed at a film festival. I'm sure it helps to assure that their film gets seen because its the look that film festival organizers seem to like, but for me a member of the paying audience I find it more on the order of lacking in creativity. I would think it has less to do with Sundance and more to the fact that film schools are turning out filmmakers who are all clones cut with the same cookie cutter. Watch any number of independent films and you see that Garrison blends in with them seamlessly. Its a shame because the story is a good one, even if the pay off is announced at the opening. Recommended only for those who don't watch a large number of independent films.
18 Reviews
Independent film tries too hard to be an independent film and ends up being not very good
dbborroughs1 August 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Not that bad at all
dyamg2 August 2009
What irked me the most about this film was the lack of attention to details, and what I consider an important one. The flags on the right shoulders of the uniforms were correctly worn "backwards" with the canton (field of stars) are in the top right corner instead of the left. Army regulations call for the flag "to be worn so that to observers, it looks as if the flag is flying against a breeze." If a soldier was moving forward, the flag on the right shoulder would appear to be in motion. However if a flag is worn on the left shoulder, the canton should face left as it usually does. In this film some left shoulders had flags worn "reverse", which is just wrong. I've never had the honor of serving my country, but as an American I want our flag to be shown proper respect.
A well-intentioned attempt at no frills filmmaking
rob-911-1629831 December 2010
Warning: Spoilers
I read that writer / director Kerry Valerrama was a former soldier and OEF veteran, so I allowed myself to hope that someone had actually made a realistic film about life in the post-September 11th army. Unfortunately, I was bound to be disappointed. This is essentially a very low budget murder mystery that tackles a few serious issues in passing, but doesn't reach to the core of those issues.
The film is about a platoon from the 82nd Airborne (an 82nd patch is briefly seen on McManus' shoulder but then disappears in the same scene), and contains three interwoven stories. The main narrative is about Sergeant McManus and Sergeant Cain searching for their AWOL squad leader, who suffers from PTSD and has been abusing his wife. We see glimpses of McManus' home life, and how he rarely sees his family because he is always at work. There is also a b-story about three brand new Privates who are being hazed, which is mostly played for laughs (and it's very similar to how I was treated at my first unit).
Most of the performances are underwhelming, although the actors who portrayed the Platoon Sergeant, Cross, and "Machine" stood out. They were the only ones who left an impression. The storyline meanders along but is mildly entertaining. There is a twist ending, which I will try not to spoil here. It somewhat makes sense, because Cross felt like he owed McManus his life and wanted to protect him. The denouement is also intentionally ambiguous, but these plot turns come across as a tad bit exploitive since the film is based on a real incident.
First time director Valderrama displays a nice cinematic flourish by introducing characters with type-written name and rank information, but he overuses this device and unnecessarily introduces too many minor characters with it. The direction and editing of the opening credits, and the use of music, was also well done. Considering that this film was made for very little money, it's impressive that he pulled it off. There are some amateurish directing moments (the three soldiers kicking the bouncer) but overall he acquits himself well as a low budget film maker. The moment where Cross taps the gas can with his pistol was creepy and well realized, as was the image of him eating popcorn in the rain.
I can't cover all of the many (MANY) uniform and technical inaccuracies here, but they stand out and are very distracting. I understand that uniform appearances may have to be altered for legal reasons, but American flags on both shoulders? And I was amused that Valderrama forgot what "MOUT" actually stands for.
Is this a realistic look at the lives of soldiers? Eh, kinda. The characters are pretty thin and I can't say that I really identified with them. There was one nice moment in the jeep where McManus said that you can't talk to people about what they don't understand, which nicely and tragically summed up the plight of someone suffering from PTSD. If there had been more moments in the film like that, then it would have been more successful, because it's one of the few times that the audience is allowed to empathize with a character.
Better luck next time.
The film is about a platoon from the 82nd Airborne (an 82nd patch is briefly seen on McManus' shoulder but then disappears in the same scene), and contains three interwoven stories. The main narrative is about Sergeant McManus and Sergeant Cain searching for their AWOL squad leader, who suffers from PTSD and has been abusing his wife. We see glimpses of McManus' home life, and how he rarely sees his family because he is always at work. There is also a b-story about three brand new Privates who are being hazed, which is mostly played for laughs (and it's very similar to how I was treated at my first unit).
Most of the performances are underwhelming, although the actors who portrayed the Platoon Sergeant, Cross, and "Machine" stood out. They were the only ones who left an impression. The storyline meanders along but is mildly entertaining. There is a twist ending, which I will try not to spoil here. It somewhat makes sense, because Cross felt like he owed McManus his life and wanted to protect him. The denouement is also intentionally ambiguous, but these plot turns come across as a tad bit exploitive since the film is based on a real incident.
First time director Valderrama displays a nice cinematic flourish by introducing characters with type-written name and rank information, but he overuses this device and unnecessarily introduces too many minor characters with it. The direction and editing of the opening credits, and the use of music, was also well done. Considering that this film was made for very little money, it's impressive that he pulled it off. There are some amateurish directing moments (the three soldiers kicking the bouncer) but overall he acquits himself well as a low budget film maker. The moment where Cross taps the gas can with his pistol was creepy and well realized, as was the image of him eating popcorn in the rain.
I can't cover all of the many (MANY) uniform and technical inaccuracies here, but they stand out and are very distracting. I understand that uniform appearances may have to be altered for legal reasons, but American flags on both shoulders? And I was amused that Valderrama forgot what "MOUT" actually stands for.
Is this a realistic look at the lives of soldiers? Eh, kinda. The characters are pretty thin and I can't say that I really identified with them. There was one nice moment in the jeep where McManus said that you can't talk to people about what they don't understand, which nicely and tragically summed up the plight of someone suffering from PTSD. If there had been more moments in the film like that, then it would have been more successful, because it's one of the few times that the audience is allowed to empathize with a character.
Better luck next time.
Pretty horrible indie film
Wizard-830 March 2015
Potential viewers who are considering watching this movie be aware - although the packaging suggests that this movie is full of action, it isn't. In fact, there really isn't much in the movie that could be considered action. Instead, it's a pretty serious drama concerning the going-ons at the title place. Nothing in theory wrong with that, but the execution is totally botched. The main problem with the movie is how unbelievably slow and boring it is. There's no feeling of building tension or any kind of spark that would keep a viewer interested. You'll be sorely tempted to hit the fast-forward button on your remote. To make matters worse, the movie looks extremely cheap and tacky, with horrible cinematography and next to non-existent production values. And who on earth though that strident musical score was appropriate for what aimed to be a serious drama? The filmmakers should be locked up in the brig.
Somebody shoot me too
supernick-33 August 2009
I've read prior comments concerning the character development, the musical score, and more good reasons to kill time with this movie.
I heartily disagree.
The music is good, but it's sometimes overwhelming and unnecessarily hard. The characters, apart from the investigating sergeant, are cardboard characters, deprived of intelligence. I found it really hard to care about any of them, and I was continuously hoping that they would all end up in freakish accidents. Even the newbies deserved to get it up the rear end. I especially consider here the staff sergeant who goes AWOL. This guy is giving orders, and he's a total basket case. If this is an accurate description of the American army, then by God, the world is in peril. The pace of the movie is slow, to say the least, the dialogues are simple (suitable for a redneck military audience), and did I mention that the characters are despicable?
I suffered through the movie, and wish all the people who think this is good and realistic all the best. I fear a society where this is your standard drama, and I advise military leaders to also select their officers based on a psychological profile, and not only on the badass crazy percentage.
I heartily disagree.
The music is good, but it's sometimes overwhelming and unnecessarily hard. The characters, apart from the investigating sergeant, are cardboard characters, deprived of intelligence. I found it really hard to care about any of them, and I was continuously hoping that they would all end up in freakish accidents. Even the newbies deserved to get it up the rear end. I especially consider here the staff sergeant who goes AWOL. This guy is giving orders, and he's a total basket case. If this is an accurate description of the American army, then by God, the world is in peril. The pace of the movie is slow, to say the least, the dialogues are simple (suitable for a redneck military audience), and did I mention that the characters are despicable?
I suffered through the movie, and wish all the people who think this is good and realistic all the best. I fear a society where this is your standard drama, and I advise military leaders to also select their officers based on a psychological profile, and not only on the badass crazy percentage.
Its the little things that count.
rommel69695 August 2013
So why can't they get the simplest things correct in this movie, for instance the unit insignias on the shoulders which no one is wearing, and no combat insignias either, cause everyone is wearing cib with wreath, so you know they have been in combat. And the fact in some scenes you see some of the actors not not wearing there covers or hats, probably for the fact so you can see there face better, wearing a mp3 during a company run, I mean please, such inaccuracies are just horrible and disrespectful, so it was a low budget film, but these are just simple things that so easy to get right but yet like so many other films they screw them up totally and portray the military as idiots.
Initially intriguing but ultimately disappointing thriller.
aforandromeda1 September 2014
Garrison is principally the story of two army officers, Sergeant Daniel McManus (Kerry Valderrama, also the film's writer and director) and Staff Sergeant Nathan Cross (James Barnes), two soldiers facing different but no less difficult issues in readjusting to life back home.
Sgt. McManus has faced trauma whilst stationed in the war zone, but is doing his best to move forward. However, his work in training the garrison's new recruits and existing soldiers is placing strain on his marriage to wife Andrea (Elizabeth Ingalls). Meanwhile, Ssg. Cross is showing erratic behaviour and having disturbing accusations made towards him about his rapidly disintegrating marriage. When Ssg. Cross goes AWOL from the garrison, Sgt. McManus faces a race against time to find the increasingly unstable officer before the Military Police do, as arrest would mean the end of Ssg. Cross' military career.
Garrison sets out with an intriguing premise, but ultimately fails to overcome it's underwritten script and very low budget. The film's presentation will undoubtedly put many viewers off, with it's drab locations, poor lighting and off-kilter camera-work dragging down many of the scenes. Although the script fails to create any real tension or drama, it does at least attempt to portray the damaged psyches of soldiers returning home from war without being too preachy or overbearing. The supporting characters are also fairly engaging, with Ssg. Xavier 'The Machine' Rivera (Jason Cox) being a standout. However, the characters are given very little to do throughout the movie, with only the dramatic final act letting them (and indeed the actors) spring into life.
However, Garrison is by no means a bad film. It has an earnest quality and it is apparent that the filmmakers and cast were trying hard to make a good movie, it's just that not everyone involved had the required skills to overcome it's low budget. In it's favour, Garrison is at least decently acted by a cast of virtual unknowns and the basic story line is a strong one. Unfortunately, although Valderrama is not without some talent, his writing and directing skills in Garrison are not quite strong enough to raise this movie from the annals of mediocrity.
Sgt. McManus has faced trauma whilst stationed in the war zone, but is doing his best to move forward. However, his work in training the garrison's new recruits and existing soldiers is placing strain on his marriage to wife Andrea (Elizabeth Ingalls). Meanwhile, Ssg. Cross is showing erratic behaviour and having disturbing accusations made towards him about his rapidly disintegrating marriage. When Ssg. Cross goes AWOL from the garrison, Sgt. McManus faces a race against time to find the increasingly unstable officer before the Military Police do, as arrest would mean the end of Ssg. Cross' military career.
Garrison sets out with an intriguing premise, but ultimately fails to overcome it's underwritten script and very low budget. The film's presentation will undoubtedly put many viewers off, with it's drab locations, poor lighting and off-kilter camera-work dragging down many of the scenes. Although the script fails to create any real tension or drama, it does at least attempt to portray the damaged psyches of soldiers returning home from war without being too preachy or overbearing. The supporting characters are also fairly engaging, with Ssg. Xavier 'The Machine' Rivera (Jason Cox) being a standout. However, the characters are given very little to do throughout the movie, with only the dramatic final act letting them (and indeed the actors) spring into life.
However, Garrison is by no means a bad film. It has an earnest quality and it is apparent that the filmmakers and cast were trying hard to make a good movie, it's just that not everyone involved had the required skills to overcome it's low budget. In it's favour, Garrison is at least decently acted by a cast of virtual unknowns and the basic story line is a strong one. Unfortunately, although Valderrama is not without some talent, his writing and directing skills in Garrison are not quite strong enough to raise this movie from the annals of mediocrity.
Disrespectful of the US flag.
festus-2698613 October 2020
Didn't anyone else notice that exactly 50% of the flags displayed on the uniforms were not PROPER????? Besides the fact that no unit insignias were displayed, flags were attached to "BOTH" shoulders. The flag is to be displayed to show the flag as moving forward as the soldier is walking forward. The left shoulder patch is in direct defiance of flag etiquette.
The WORST Movie I have Ever Seen!!!!
finalcutproeditor20 November 2009
This is by far the worst movie that I have ever seen. The DP must have been blind and the sound guy must have been wearing ear plugs. The film is a sad attempt at a low budget film. By the looks of it the film budget must have been $0. The actors suck and the editing is ridiculous. Filmmakers in San Antonio, Texas are really stupid to think that audiences will want to see such a horrible film. I have yet to see a decent movie from a "San Antonio Filmmaker". Someone needs to tell these people that their movies suck and that they need to stop making them NOW!!!! Just because you get your movie picked by a cheap distributor does not mean that the film is worse a damn!! I had to return the film an get my money back...that's how bad it was!!!
an important topic film
luke-gershwin31 August 2009
An important topic film, but execution, style, music and a plethora of other tidbits make this whole project miss what is being sold here. The cast stated this movie has touched lives, and granted the Bragg killings are tragic - but this was not the film to be touting anything to do with those incidents. Some solid military performances and a conveyance of a believable "Garrison" lifestyle give this the stars I gave it - so maybe go into it to see this group's take on the daily lifestyle portrayed, with a violent domestic subplot appearing at the end and beginning. The special features give this an extra bump for the amount added onto this small budget film/DVD.
Surprising
krish87-15 May 2009
A friend of mine recommended that I watch this movie. I wasn't expecting too much going in to it since there was nobody that I recognized in the cast and it seemed to be a very independent made film. After watching it however I was pretty surprised and can honestly say that I don't hate it. The cover was very misleading, making it seem much more than what it was. The movie was pretty straight forward two guys MacManus and Cain have to find there missing superior Cross and uncover the reason for why he went missing, there is a pretty cool twist at the end but that is pretty much it. If you have a couple hours to kill then take a look you probably won't end up killing yourself after it's over.
Well Done
ogbolton1 May 2009
I have seen movies before on this type on budget and Garrison most certainly exceeds its expectations.
If you are expecting some huge military film then I would not recommend this movie for you. There are hardly any type of battle scenes and the ones that are shown are very small in scale. There are some interesting scenes throughout the film that do come as a pleasant surprise.
I would still recommend this movie since the acting and overall story line keeps you watching until the end.
I gave it an 8 because it was apparent that this film was made with no money, and any film on the military and PTSD has my vote.
If you are expecting some huge military film then I would not recommend this movie for you. There are hardly any type of battle scenes and the ones that are shown are very small in scale. There are some interesting scenes throughout the film that do come as a pleasant surprise.
I would still recommend this movie since the acting and overall story line keeps you watching until the end.
I gave it an 8 because it was apparent that this film was made with no money, and any film on the military and PTSD has my vote.
Think!!!
neeneenoo25 June 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I believe for a low budget film it was good, I think that it shows the reality of what can happen when someone suffers from PTSD! I also think that those who are reviewing this film are forgetting the whole point of the movie; which is to inform others of the horrific consequences of PTSD going untreated. I am retired military and yes; a woman. I am a big stickler for protocol and attention to detail to the point you can call me anal, but I believe this movie could or should be used as a training tool!! I think the acting was really good for people who have never acted before, the music could have been better and most definitely the ending plot was not something to be foreseen, crazy as it was.
Good Indie...
william-urban1019 August 2009
Garrison is loosely based on a series of murders committed at Fort Bragg, by returned US soldiers from Iraq in 2002. Veteran Sgt. Daniel McManus (Kerry Valderrama) is ordered to track down a missing comrade in arms, eventually coming into conflict with a deeply damaged man whose life McManus once saved. This surprisingly impressive low budgeter is a commentary on the forgotten soldiers of modern warfare who have been abandoned by their government, as well as a look at the juggling of a family life and a military career - which, in this case, does not end well.
First-time director/writer/star Kerry Valderrama (obviously creating opportunities for himself after starring in largely B-grade fare like Doctor S Battles The Sex Crazed Zombies!) delivers a solid piece of film-making, with interesting plot twists and convincing performances. He does, however, dip a few too many times into the big and truly dog-eared book of US military clichés - complete with brutally aggressive staff sergeants and suffering recruits. Apart from this, the plot is filled with enough suspense, mystery and evenly placed social commentary to keep audiences enthralled.
First-time director/writer/star Kerry Valderrama (obviously creating opportunities for himself after starring in largely B-grade fare like Doctor S Battles The Sex Crazed Zombies!) delivers a solid piece of film-making, with interesting plot twists and convincing performances. He does, however, dip a few too many times into the big and truly dog-eared book of US military clichés - complete with brutally aggressive staff sergeants and suffering recruits. Apart from this, the plot is filled with enough suspense, mystery and evenly placed social commentary to keep audiences enthralled.
A must see for all soldiers!!!
david-medeley28 January 2010
It is apparent that most of the reviews on here are by people that pardon my language have no "@%$&*@#" idea about what they are talking about!!! As a soldier currently serving my third tour in Iraq as an 11B, Garrison in my opinion was written flawlessly. I couldn't help but laugh at a lot in some cases, especially the chem light batteries, hazing and MOUT training scenes. It brought back some really funny and terrible memories. Garrison captures how tough, silly, and despite what the other MOS's think, intelligent infantrymen are, especially Paratroopers. Garrison really moved me, because I know what its like to go through infidelity and if it wasn't for a great team leader and a bad-ass squad leader at the time, I might never have recovered. Garrison is the first truly accurate film of modern military life, both the good and the horrible parts of it. A must see for all military soldiers.
Fantastic sound effects!
jimmiehack28 June 2008
Usually the sound effects aren't the first thing that I notice in a movie, but they are superbly done in this movie. The acting and direction are great too, but the sound effects keep you on the edge of your seat. The suspenseful tones and the Foley artwork blend nicely with the story, yet are not overly obtrusive and noticeable. I'm not sure who did the sound effects on this movie, but I'll certainly be looking for more movies from this team in the future. The lighting and cinematography were also well done and the story and character development were also easy to follow and intriguing. I'm not sure why most people I know haven't seen this great movie yet.
A very underrated film
spriggan43-12 May 2012
I really wish more big budget films was like Garrison. It was a very entertaining film, no Oscar winner to be sure but still very entertaining with a good story and decent acting for a bunch of unknowns. Also it captures the feel of military life I think as well. Maybe because i'm a vet, i'm biased but I think the film did a great job of that. For any veterans I DEFINITELY recommend. Even for people who have never been in the military I think they'd enjoy it. It was based off the 2002 Fort Benning murders and I think it handled the sensitive subject matter very well while still making it an interesting mystery film to watch. Overall a not a bad 1 hour and 25 minutes spent for me. Definitely a recommend.
Loved this film.
robertbessolo14 October 2017
I picked this film out of a bin at a store. I wasn't sure exactly what it was about. I loved it. So intense. I'm very much into Military films and this one was awesome. Kerry Valderamma did a GREAT job directing this film and I would love to see more films like this that deal with the real issues that our soldier suffer from after going through war experiences.
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