More The Magnificent Seven than American Sniper, this flag-waving true story is an effective — if overly simplistic — neo-Western that's eventually carried over the line by a sparky ensemble cast.
Spectacular but simplified Afghanistan war film.
You have the nagging feeling that the film is trying to create a triumphalist narrative out of a war in which any victories the US forces did achieve were of a strictly short-term nature.
It’s all very easy: a feelgood war tale from what feels like a distant age.
12 Strong is decent and earnest but in need of extra grit or depth.
Their triumph is America’s triumph. But large chunks of audience memory loss are required for it to be viewed as such.
General release. Check local listings for show times.