Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk 2016

The film’s strength is how it portrays Billy’s alienation from civilian life, haunted by vivid memories of battle, unable to appreciate the applause of stadium crowds when he’s trotted out as a hero, and conflicted by the belief that he isn’t worthy of such a public spotlight. What doesn’t work is the tone of the movie, which switches from raw battle sequences to a satire of prevalent attitudes of the early 2000s. When director Lee presents a scene intended to provoke laughs, the viewer is confused. Is this what he’s supposed to do? Had the film been a straightforward war picture, like “Hacksaw Ridge,” or a satire, like “Dr.Strangelove,” the viewer might be more at ease knowing where the film is heading.

Ang Lee directs the film about private Billy Lynn who is brought home for a victory tour after becoming a hero following an Iraq battle.

Starring: Steve Martin, Kristen Stewart, Chris Tucker
Runtime: 1 hour, 52 minutes