Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Real-life SEALs can't save poorly made, violent movie.
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Act of Valor
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 11 parent reviews
Parents say the film is a well-made depiction of military life with an emphasis on realism, showcasing the bravery and sacrifices of Navy SEALs. While it contains significant violence and strong language, many find its powerful message about duty and honor resonates with both adults and children, making it a worthwhile viewing experience, especially for young teens.
- realistic portrayal
- strong message
- suitable for teens
- graphic violence
- parental guidance
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 23 kid reviews
Kids say the movie offers an intense action experience that showcases the realities of war, including strong violence, graphic scenes, and frequent profanity, which some find disturbing. The acting received criticism due to the involvement of real Navy SEALs, leading some viewers to question the overall quality of the film despite acknowledging its good intentions and the respect it inspires for military personnel.
- intense violence
- strong language
- mixed acting quality
- good intentions
- family discussion
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
An international smuggler (Alex Veadov) has reunited with an old friend (Nestor Serrano) who has become a terrorist. A CIA agent (Roselyn Sanchez) working undercover has collected information on the two men, but before she can do anything with it, she's kidnapped and tortured. It's up to the Navy SEALs to rescue her. The daring operation also yields a terrorist cell phone, which leads to yet another discovery: The bad guys are working on secret bomb vests that can't be picked up by metal detectors. What's more, 16 of them are headed to several major U.S. cities. Can the SEALs stop them in time to prevent mass destruction?
Is It Any Good?
Only pre-existing fans of the SEALs are going to get much out of this underwhelming movie. Co-directors Mike McCoy and Scott Waugh begin ACT OF VALOR with a filmed introduction explaining why they chose to cast real-life Navy SEALs: because actors couldn't convey the proper realism. And to some extent, that idea works. In one terrific rescue scene, viewers see the skill and precision of the SEALs at work, including surprising details that might have been overlooked by a traditional Hollywood production.
Unfortunately, while the SEALs are experts in many things, they're certainly not trained actors. But in their defense, no actor could have made Act of Valor's flat, clunky screenplay sound good. Moreover, while it's part of an effort to be more "realistic," the movie's sloppy hand-held camerawork and choppy editing kill most of the later action sequences. The "walking and talking" dialogue exchanges are even more awkward.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the Act of Valor's violence. Is it justified? How does it compare to what you've seen in other action movies?
Was it the right decision to cast real-life Navy SEALs in the movie? Does it make the movie more realistic? How else does it work? In what ways doesn't it work?
How does the movie reflect the military? How does that compare to other military depictions you've seen in movies and on TV?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 24, 2012
- On DVD or streaming : June 5, 2012
- Cast : Alex Veadov , Nestor Serrano , Roselyn Sanchez
- Directors : Mike McCoy , Scott Waugh
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Relativity Media
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Adventures
- Run time : 101 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong violence including some torture, and for language
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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