I liked this film. It was good - it ultimately won me over me and for that I'd have to give it good marks, but there were a lot of gimmicks used that are a bit blatant.
This movie has a familiar plot - a guy who grows up on the 'wrong side of the tracks' gets entry into the prestigious naval academy at Annapolis. His desire for becoming something better is at war with his chaotic, inner turbulence. The movie is about his struggle to make it through his tough, first year at the academy.
If the plot sounds a lot like "An Officer and a Gentleman" - it is almost exactly that, but not quite as good.
Annapolis relies on a lot of blatant gimmicks. First, everyone important is a model. Even the drill instructors. Second, the love interest of the lead character is, coincidentally, also a model and a drill instructor at the academy. Instead of having to work at any love relationship - the drill instructor basically throws herself at him from the start.
Another clear gimmick is the inclusion of highly clichéd secondary characters - like the struggling cadet who always comes in last-place and the 'everything-by-the-book' character. Oh yes - and finally there is the tough-as-nails, robot-like drill instructor that is feared by everyone.
Still, even with the obvious clichés, predictable plot and virtual straight rip-off of another movie - I still liked it. This boils down the lead character being interesting. James Franco gave a strong performance. He is believable as an aggressive, tough and unrefined individual that has a better person somewhere inside of him. His performance basically drives the movie. The other actors put in fine performances too - even though their characters were somewhat limited.
If you like movies about the struggle of chaotic individuals that aspire to something better, this movie is reasonably well done where it counts - the performances - and is worth seeing because of it.
This movie has a familiar plot - a guy who grows up on the 'wrong side of the tracks' gets entry into the prestigious naval academy at Annapolis. His desire for becoming something better is at war with his chaotic, inner turbulence. The movie is about his struggle to make it through his tough, first year at the academy.
If the plot sounds a lot like "An Officer and a Gentleman" - it is almost exactly that, but not quite as good.
Annapolis relies on a lot of blatant gimmicks. First, everyone important is a model. Even the drill instructors. Second, the love interest of the lead character is, coincidentally, also a model and a drill instructor at the academy. Instead of having to work at any love relationship - the drill instructor basically throws herself at him from the start.
Another clear gimmick is the inclusion of highly clichéd secondary characters - like the struggling cadet who always comes in last-place and the 'everything-by-the-book' character. Oh yes - and finally there is the tough-as-nails, robot-like drill instructor that is feared by everyone.
Still, even with the obvious clichés, predictable plot and virtual straight rip-off of another movie - I still liked it. This boils down the lead character being interesting. James Franco gave a strong performance. He is believable as an aggressive, tough and unrefined individual that has a better person somewhere inside of him. His performance basically drives the movie. The other actors put in fine performances too - even though their characters were somewhat limited.
If you like movies about the struggle of chaotic individuals that aspire to something better, this movie is reasonably well done where it counts - the performances - and is worth seeing because of it.