Semper Fi

The tone of this gritty drama about brotherhood and sacrifice can be bleak and depressing, but the story doesn't shy away from depicting the mental and physical impact of returning home after war. It also shows how being raised in a broken home can leave emotional scars and demonstrates the hard sacrifices that older siblings sometimes have to make in order for their younger siblings to survive. Semper Fi deals with real life, and many of the scenes are gritty. Plus, it serves as commentary on corrupt cops who abuse and take advantage of inmates while they're in the prison system.

That said, the movie's extreme profanity overshadows what could have been a more nuanced storyline. And the pacing is really slow at the beginning -- but once the real action kicks in, everything that happens after makes the ending that much more poignant. That and the natural chemistry between Courtney, Knapp, Whittrock, Castro, and Wolff help redeem Semper Fi. The level of loyalty that the characters demonstrate toward one another during the tough times in their lives is inspirational. Many of the scenes are predictable, but the ending is just right. And while it's a very male-driven film, co-star Leighton Meester (as Clara) adds some gentle delicateness to help balance out all the banter and testosterone.