Annapolis - Movie Review

Jake Huard is a young man from a small Maryland town who grew up in a blue-collar family with few opportunities. Wanting to make something of himself after completing high school, Jake set his sights on attending the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, where he narrowly makes the cut and becomes one of the 1,200 applicants selected for the freshman class. Jake finds that life as a "plebe" is intellectually challenging and physically punishing, and he soon develops a powerful adversary in Midshipman Lt. Cole, his training commander, who pushes Jake to the limit to see if he has what it takes. Standing on the razor's edge of failing as both a student and a soldier, Jake makes a brave but dangerous gesture toward proving himself by entering the Brigade Championships, a Naval boxing competition where he'll go into the ring against the best fighters in the Navy - including Lt. Cole. Jake soon has one person on his side when he strikes up a friendship with Ali, a pretty young officer who believes Jake has what it takes to go the distance.

This was a very cheesy movie. There were absolutely no surprises during the entire film as it was clear from the beginning what the ending would entail. The overall acting was mediocre at best and the female love interest in the film (who played an officer at the Naval Academy) was horrible. It's a good thing she was hot because she sure as hell didn't get that part based on her acting - I cringed several times when she was trying to be tough and lay down the law. The whole Naval Academy experience didn't seem believable as I'm sure a "plebe" wouldn't get away with half of the things the main character did (i.e. be late for drills, not know any of the answers when tested, talk back to a superior, attack a superior). Anyway, I was less than impressed, not to mention the fact that it was a rip-off of other military movies (i.e. Top Gun) yet not nearly as solid.

Rating: 1.5 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: James Franco, Tyrese Gibson, Jordana Brewster, Donnie Wahlberg

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.