REVIEW

"Act of Valor" is a high -speed action film with a twist.

Directed by Mike McCoy and Scott Waugh, written by Kurt Johnstad and starring real life U.S. Navy SEALs, this movie offers a glimpse into SEAL missions always kept secret.

The movie begins by previewing villain Christo, Alex Veadov, as a generous billionaire aiding a children's hospital where Morales, a CIA agent, Roselyn Sánchez, is working under cover.

Before you know it, Morales gets kidnapped and tortured for information. Thank goodness the scene ended before any intense gore occurred.

Meanwhile, the SEAL team spends the last day with their families before shipping out to rescue Morales.

Lieutenant, the main SEAL character, leaves his pregnant wife at home promising "his best" to return.

Acting in the non-action scenes is mediocre at best. I guess that is what you get for casting SEALs instead of actors.

Once the SEALs start their mission the movie really picks up. With a great sound track and camera positioning that puts the viewer in the middle of the action, action scenes were pristine.

In rescuing Morales, SEALs keep calm and take out villains with a sniper, swim to the camp, break inside, and get out with the girl.

Viewers are given the opportunity to see real combat when SEALs in water vessels unload on villains in pursuit of the land SEAL team.

It is obvious that the SEALs were in their element when filming the action scenes. They were shot with live fire because that is what the SEALs train with.

According to an interview on Fox News, this is the first time since the 1920s live fire has been used in a movie.

Full of endless rounds of gunfire and many explosions, any action fan will be satisfied with this movie.

"Act of Valor"will attract military personal, supporters and those curious about the tactics of one of the most secretive military groups.

The movie provided an ample amount of explosions and combat to counter act the lack of professional acting.

At last, a touching ending was the cherry on top of an overall entertaining movie.

kmarcum@thepinelog.com