Following up my review for 2017’s Last Flag Standing, I thought I’d continue down the road of post-battle, military-themed films. Stories where the battle of the main character isn’t with a physical enemy, but that of an inner, emotional aspect that our protagonist must either conquer or embrace. As before, my following review is that of a story about a veteran dealing with the loss of a another. In this case, the story is of a veteran escorting a deceased soldier home. My review is that of the 2009 HBO Films’ Taking Chance, starring Kevin Bacon.
In Taking Chance, Bacon plays Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl of the United States Marine Corps. Strobl has volunteered to be the military escort officer for the body of deceased 19 -year-old Marine Chance Phelps to his home of Dubois, Wyoming. Through his travel by air and by land, Strobl comes across random Americans giving their respects to his current mission. Moreover, Strobl ends up developing a loyal attachment to being by Chance’s side as he delivers him to his family.
Related – Veterans Day Movie Review: Last Flag Flying
Taking Chance is based on the journal of Lt. Col. Strobl and the real Chance Phelps, who was killed in action in Iraq. Ross Katz (Adult Beginners, The Choice) co-wrote and directed this humbling drama. Bacon nails the Strobl role, staying committed to his duty as a Marine while noticeably affected by the young soldier’s death. Bacon especially excels in those moments when Strobl is thanked for his service and when civilians stop and watch as he salutes Chance’s casket as it is wheeled out of the airplane. His subtle looks and expressions show both his sadness over this young soldier’s death and his quiet gratitude toward those that honor Chance.
The story is not a complex one. The film’s focus is primarily on Strobl and his mission to deliver Chance to his family. It is an emotionally-driven character study of a soldier’s devotion to the corps and the respect of a fallen brother. Taking Chance is a close-to-the-heart film for anyone who has known of a fallen soldier from a small town and been acquainted with the close-knit members of the Marine Corps.
P.S. For our Marvel fans, Mike “Luke Cage” Colter has a small role as Master Gunnery Sergeant Demetry in the film.
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