but unfortunately not nearly as good as those 4 movies. "The War" is a feeble attempt at portraying a returning Vietnam Vet with problems (see "Born on the Fourth of July" for a more poignant version) who is father to two children that hang out with lots of other youngsters (see "Stand By Me" for a more realistic portrayal of youth) who often challenge each other, take risks, and get into trouble (see "The Goonies" for a more entertaining scenario), and climaxes with a water tower scene (see "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" for a less predictable water tower scene).
"The War" is basically overly melodramatic and the use of voice-over by the female young lead is annoying. The basic problem of this movie is that it tries too hard. Also, a note to the screenwriter - kids don't talk like that. They really don't. There are way too many unrealistic scenes featuring the kids in this movie where they philosophize about life, stand up to their teachers by reciting a monologue about their lives lasting 5 minutes, and support each other emotionally with cute quips, smiles, and longing gazes. No children that I've ever met are remotely that well-versed or connected to their emotions.
I hate to say it, but you'll have to rent a John Hughes movie like "Sixteen Candles" to see how kids REALLY act.
"The War" is basically overly melodramatic and the use of voice-over by the female young lead is annoying. The basic problem of this movie is that it tries too hard. Also, a note to the screenwriter - kids don't talk like that. They really don't. There are way too many unrealistic scenes featuring the kids in this movie where they philosophize about life, stand up to their teachers by reciting a monologue about their lives lasting 5 minutes, and support each other emotionally with cute quips, smiles, and longing gazes. No children that I've ever met are remotely that well-versed or connected to their emotions.
I hate to say it, but you'll have to rent a John Hughes movie like "Sixteen Candles" to see how kids REALLY act.