Clint Eastwood plays an old Marine Gunnery Sergeant who is at odds with almost everyone, probably because he tells them like things are, and he is willing to back that up with his fists. While I was watching Heartbreak Ridge I found it to be very light for a drama. I was wondering what they were going for. Then it hit me.
Heartbreak Ridge is a comedy. One could argue that it is a drama with comedic elements, but that doesn't make sense. Because none of the drama is of a level the audience can sink their teeth in. Unless, it's too subtle, and it went over my head. It's plainly obvious, that Thomas Highway (Eastwood) realizes he can't continue life as he is living. And you do see him trying to reconnect with his ex-wife, who still is mad but does melt every time she sees him. But he wants to carry out one assignment before he will be forced to retire. He has to train a reconnaissance platoon, who are very resistant and lazy. In very predictable fashion, he has made good soldiers out of them at the end of the film, demonstrated in the mission they embark on (Invasion of Grenada).
Only not without issues. Next to having to deal with insubordinate soldiers, he also has a combat inexperienced Major Malcolm Powers (Everett McGill) as superior, who doesn't like him. He thinks he is an old relic who needs to be put in his place. His platoon leader, Lieutenant Ring (Boyd Gaines), not only lacks combat experience, he also is unaware of how to carry himself. But he is nearly not as problematic as Powers. But that could be explained as jealousy. Highway has a military record anyone would be jealous of. And he still is not fully happy. While the film is not a straightforward satire of the military, it does point out certain absurdities. And yes, I did find myself laughing constantly. Since the film in large part focusses on Highway, training his platoon, I have to believe that this is what the film tries to convey. I mean, as an action / war drama, it simply doesn't do enough. I didn't find it thrilling nor tragic. Not even when a likeable character dies. It didn't seem anyone in the platoon really cared that much. They easily could have had a minute showing respect. I don't think you are supposed to because you aren't supposed to take events seriously.
Overall, the direction of Clint Eastwood as always is competent. He does enough to keep watching. Although, at the end it will make you wonder what the intention was, well, it was to make you laugh. Once you realize that, you will remember this as a fun viewing experience. Otherwise, you won't.
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