Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: 12 Strong (2017)

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Posted by Leo Enticknap (Member # 534) on 02-18-2018, 10:46 AM:

Late 2001: a small squad of US Special Forces is dropped behind enemy lines in Afghanistan to help rebel forces recapture an important Taliban-controlled city.

This is a very solidly written, directed and acted war/adventure movie. Visually, it emphasizes locations, costumes and props more than CGI, which I like (New Mexico made a very convincing substitute for the mountains of Helmand for me, though it has to be admitted that I haven't seen the real thing): the acting was convincing and engaging, though not spectacular.

My one issue with the performances was that the Afghan rebel leader, General Dostum, was constantly and irritatingly spouting cryptic, philosophy-laden soundbites at the American captain. It seemed to me that they modeled the character on Alec Guinness's in Lawrence of Arabia, though if the real Dostum is like that, I guess the filmmakers get a pass.

I saw this on a Barco DP4K-45L and with Atmos audio (Dos Lagos Theatre, Corona, CA, screen 6). This is one of the rare occasions when the screen was big enough (about 70 feet wide in 'scope) and I was close enough to it that I would have appreciated the extra resolution of 4K. I don't think I'd have had a problem with 2K if I'd been further back, though. The audio was clear without being overpowering: in fact, overhead sound was used very sparingly.

Probably not the best choice for a romantic date, but if you like war/adventure pics, you won't be disappointed.