Messenger, The (2009)

THE MESSENGER is a movie about the military guys that must tell families "Hey, sorry, your [insert relation] was killed in Iraq".

Woody Harrelson is the commanding officer. Ben Foster is the new guy on the job. There a team. Ben has no interest in the job at all, and Woody knows that, but a job is a job.

Woody is a recovering alcoholic. That comes up a lot. Ben took a hit in Iraq, and has some issues himself. They're a destructive combo.

It's a cool movie. It gives some insight into what these guys have to do, and how they're supposed to stay separated from it all. Lot's of drama.

Of all the dramatic goodness, though, my favorite part is much simpler and less significant. If one were to a psychoanalysis of my reviews, you may find that there are certain things that I like that always score points with me. In fact, you don't even need a psychology degree to come to that conclusion because I come right out and say it from time to time, though perhaps not directly as this. I like the buddy moments. I like it when one person can count on another person, and that other person is there without question. I liked the movie "The Losers", but I didn't like that one of group became a traitor. I kept thinking "it's a trick! it's a trick!". But, it wasn't a trick, and I was disappointed.

THE MESSENGER has a great buddy moment. The two guys are out fishing, and they get buzzed by some clowns on jet ski's. Woody let's the expletives fly. He's been drinking, so isn't 100% in charge of his faculties. Ben doesn't really care.

They get off the boat and having a bit of a disagreement. They are friends, but not getting along just great at the moment. The three guys from the jet ski's approach and they're ready to rumble.

Woody stands up and says "Lock and Load, Sergeant".
Ben responds, "Yes Sir", no hesitation. He could've said "You know what, you're being kind of a jerk and I'm not sure that this is really something that I want to get into right now, so I'll wait for you in the car.".

They don't show the fight, just an insult before the fight. It cuts to them driving, all beat up, and talking about something else altogether.

Good stuff.

Ben Foster looked familiar to me, and I figured out he was in 3:10 TO YUMA; he was great in that. I checked IMDB. I saw a lot of his movies, but never noticed him in the crowd.